High efficiency, high output transmission

ABSTRACT

A transmission includes an input shaft coupled to a prime mover, a countershaft, main shaft, and an output shaft, with gears between the countershaft and the main shaft. A shift actuator selectively couples the input shaft to the main shaft by rotatably coupling gears between the countershaft and the main shaft. The shift actuator is mounted on an exterior wall of a housing including the countershaft and the main shaft. An integrated actuator housing is operationally coupled to the shift actuator and a linear clutch actuator. The linear clutch actuator is a self-adjusting actuator, and the transmission includes a self-adjusting clutch.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/438,201 (Attorney Docket No. EATN-1100-P01), filed Dec. 22, 2016, entitled “HIGH EFFICIENCY, HIGH OUTPUT TRANSMISSION, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Field

Without limitation to a particular field of technology, the present disclosure is directed to transmissions configured for coupling to a prime mover, and more particularly to transmissions for vehicle applications, including truck applications.

Transmissions serve a critical function in translating power provided by a prime mover to a final load. The transmission serves to provide speed ratio changing between the prime mover output (e.g. a rotating shaft) and a load driving input (e.g. a rotating shaft coupled to wheels, a pump, or other device responsive to the driving shaft). The ability to provide selectable speed ratios allows the transmission to amplify torque, keep the prime mover and load speeds within ranges desired for those devices, and to selectively disconnect the prime mover from the load at certain operating conditions.

Transmissions are subjected to a number of conflicting constraints and operating requirements. For example, the transmission must be able to provide the desired range of torque multiplication while still handling the input torque requirements of the system. Additionally, from the view of the overall system, the transmission represents an overhead device—the space occupied by the transmission, the weight, and interface requirements of the transmission are all overhead aspects to the designer of the system. Transmission systems are highly complex, and they take a long time to design, integrate, and test; accordingly, the transmission is also often required to meet the expectations of the system integrator relative to previous or historical transmissions. For example, a reduction of the space occupied by a transmission may be desirable in the long run, but for a given system design it may be more desirable that an occupied space be identical to a previous generation transmission, or as close as possible.

Previously known transmission systems suffer from one or more drawbacks within a system as described following. To manage noise, robustness, and structural integrity concerns, previously known high output transmission systems use steel for the housing of the transmission. Additionally, previously known high output transmissions utilize a large countershaft with high strength spur gears to manage the high loads through the transmission. Previously known gear sets have relatively few design degrees of freedom, meaning that any shortcomings in the design need to be taken up in the surrounding transmission elements. For example, thrust loads through the transmission, noise generated by gears, and installation issues such as complex gear timing issues, require a robust and potentially overdesigned system in the housing, bearings, and/or installation procedures. Previously known high output transmissions, such as for trucks, typically include multiple interfaces to the surrounding system (e.g. electrical, air, hydraulic, and/or coolant), each one requiring expense of design and integration, and each introducing a failure point into the system. Previously known high output transmissions include a cooler to protect the parts and fluids of the transmission from overheating in response to the heat generated in the transmission. Previously known high output transmissions utilize concentric clutches which require complex actuation and service. Accordingly, there remains a need for improvements in the design of high output transmissions, particularly truck transmissions.

SUMMARY

An example transmission includes an input shaft configured to couple to a prime mover, a countershaft having a first number of gears mounted thereon, a main shaft having a second number of gears mounted thereon, a shifting actuator that selectively couples the input shaft to the main shaft by rotatably coupling at least one of the first number of gears to the countershaft and/or coupling the second number of gears to the main shaft, where the shifting actuator is mounted on an exterior wall of a housing, and where the countershaft and the main shaft are at least partially positioned within the housing.

Certain further embodiments of an example transmission are described following. An example transmission includes an integrated actuator housing, where the shifting actuator is operationally coupled to the integrated actuator housing, and where the shifting actuator is accessible by removing the integrated actuator housing; a number of shifting actuators operationally coupled to the integrated housing actuator, where the number of shifting actuators are accessible by removing the integrated actuator housing; where the shifting actuator is mechanically coupled to the integrated actuator housing; and/or where a number of shifting actuators are mechanically coupled to the integrated housing actuator. An example transmission includes a clutch actuator accessible by removing the integrated actuator housing; where the clutch actuator is a linear clutch actuator; the example transmission further including a clutch actuator housing; where the linear clutch actuator is positioned at least partially within the clutch actuator housing; and where the clutch actuator housing coupled to the integrated actuator housing and/or included as a portion of the integrated actuator housing; where the integrated housing actuator includes a single external power access, and/or where the single external power access includes an air supply port. An example transmission includes the integrated actuator housing defining power connections between actuators operationally coupled to the integrated actuator housing; where the integrated actuator housing is mounted on a vertically upper side of the transmission; where the shifting actuators are accessible without decoupling the input shaft from the prime mover; where the integrated actuator housing is accessible without decoupling the input shaft from the prime mover; where the linear clutch actuator is pneumatically activated; where the linear clutch actuator has a first extended position and a second retracted position, and where the linear clutch actuator includes a near zero dead air volume in the second retracted position; where the dead air volume includes an air volume on a supply side of the linear clutch actuator that is present when the linear clutch actuator is retracted; and/or where the linear clutch actuator has a first extended position and a second retracted position, and where the second retracted position is stable over a selected service life of a clutch operationally coupled to the linear clutch actuator.

An example transmission includes a driveline having an input shaft, a main shaft, and a countershaft that selectively couples the input shaft to the main shaft, a housing element with at least part of the driveline positioned in the housing, where the housing element includes aluminum, and where the transmission is a high output transmission. Certain further embodiments of an example transmission are described following. An example transmission includes the transmission having no cooler; where the countershaft selectively couples the input shaft to the main shaft using helical gear meshes, and/or where the helical gear meshes provide thrust management; where the housing does not takes thrust loads from the driveline; where the helical gear meshes further provide thrust management such that a bearing at a low speed differential position in the transmission takes thrust loads from the driveline; and/or where the bearing taking thrust at a low speed differential position is a bearing operationally coupled to the input shaft and the main shaft. An example transmission further includes a planetary gear assembly coupled to a second main shaft, where the planetary gear assembly includes helical gears; where the planetary gear assembly provides a thrust load in response to power transfer through the planetary gear assembly; where the first main shaft is rotationally coupled to the second main shaft; where the transmission does not include taper bearings in the driveline; where the countershaft is a high speed countershaft; where the transmission includes a number of high speed countershafts; and where a first gear ratio between the input shaft and the countershaft, a second gear ratio between the countershaft and the main shaft, have a ratio where the second gear ratio is greater than the first gear ratio by at least 1.25:1, at least 1.5:1, at least 1.75:1, at least 2:1, at least 2.25:1, at least 2.5:1, at least 2.75:1, at least 3:1, at least 3.25:1, at least 3.5:1, at least 3.75:1, at least 4:1, at least 4.25:1, at least 4.5:1, at least 4.75:1, at least 5:1, at least 6:1, at least 7:1, at least 8:1, at least 9:1, and/or at least 10:1.

An example transmission includes a driveline having an input shaft, a main shaft, and a countershaft that selectively couples the input shaft to the main shaft, and a low loss lubrication system. Certain further embodiments of an example transmission are described following. An example transmission includes the low loss lubrication system having a dry sump; the low loss lubrication system having a lubrication pump assembly positioned within the transmission; the low loss lubrication system including a lubrication pump rotationally coupled to the countershaft, and/or where the countershaft is a high speed countershaft; a lubrication sleeve positioned at least partially within the main shaft, and/or where the lubrication sleeve is an unsealed lubrication sleeve.

An example transmission includes a driveline having an input shaft, a main shaft, and a countershaft that selectively couples the input shaft to the main shaft, a countershaft that includes a number of gears mounted thereon, and a power take-off (PTO) access positioned in proximity to at least one of the number of gears. Certain further embodiments of an example transmission are described following. An example transmission includes the PTO access being an 8-bolt PTO access; the transmission including an aluminum housing; the transmission further having a first end engaging a prime mover and a second end having an output shaft, and a second PTO access positioned at the second end; where the transmission is an automated manual transmission; and/or a second countershaft, where the PTO access is positioned in proximity to the countershaft or the second countershaft.

An example transmission includes an input shaft configured to couple to a prime mover, a countershaft having a first number of gears mounted thereon, a main shaft having a second number of gears mounted thereon, where the first number of gears and the second number of gears are helical gears, and where the transmission is a high output transmission. Certain further embodiment of an example transmission are described following. An example transmission includes an aluminum housing, where the main shaft and the countershaft are at least partially positioned in the housing; a bearing pressed into the housing, where the helical gears manage thrust loads such that the bearing pressed into the housing does not experience thrust loads; where the first number of gears and second number of gears include a shortened tooth height and/or a flattened top geometry.

An example clutch assembly includes a clutch disc configured to engage a prime mover, a pressure plate having a clutch biasing element, where the clutch engagement member couples to a clutch actuation element at an engagement position, and where a clutch adjustment member maintains a consistent engagement position as a face of the clutch disc experiences wear. Certain further embodiments of an example clutch assembly are described following. An example clutch assembly includes the clutch adjustment member having a cam ring operable to rotate in response to clutch disc wear; a pressure plate defining the clutch biasing element and the clutch adjustment member; the pressure plate further defining access holes for the clutch adjustment member; the clutch assembly further including an anti-rotation member operationally coupled to the clutch adjustment member to enforce one-way movement of the clutch adjustment member; and/or the pressure plate further defining at least one access channel for the anti-rotation member.

Architectures for high output, high efficiency, low noise and otherwise improved automated transmissions are disclosed herein, including methods, systems, and components for automated truck transmissions. Such methods and systems may include, among other things, a pair of high speed, twin countershafts. Architectures for 18-speed (including 3×3×2 architectures with three gear boxes) and 12-speed (including 3×2×2 architectures with three gear boxes) are disclosed. In embodiments, such methods and systems include methods and systems for thrust load cancellation, including cancellation of loads across a helical or sun gear used in at least one gear box of the transmission. In embodiments, enclosures, such as for the clutch and various gears are configured such that enclosure bearings are isolated from thrust loads, among other things allowing for use of lightweight materials, such as die cast aluminum, for various components of the transmission, without compromising performance or durability. A low-loss lubrication system may be provided for various components of the transmission.

In embodiments, clutch actuation (including for a linear clutch actuator that may actuate movement of a use a horseshoe, or off-axis, clutch actuator) and gear shift actuation for an automated truck transmission are handled through an integrated electrical and mechanical assembly, which may be mounted in a mounted transmission module (MTM) on the transmission, and which may use a common, integrated air supply for pneumatic actuation of clutch and gear systems, optionally employing integrated conduits, rather than hoses, to reduce the free volume of air and thereby enhance the efficiency, reliability and performance of the gear and clutch actuation systems. The MTM may include a linear clutch actuator, position sensor and valve banks for gear and clutch actuation.

Gear systems, including substantially circular gears and helical gears, may be optimized to reduce noise and provide smooth shifting. Circular gears may have substantially flat teeth, may be wormwheel-ground to provide smooth surfaces, and may be provided with profiles optimized to provide optimized sliding velocity of engagement during gear shifts. The transmission may power power-take off (PTO) interfaces, optionally including multiple PTO interfaces.

These and other systems, methods, objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the drawings.

All documents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference. References to items in the singular should be understood to include items in the plural, and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise or clear from the text. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of conjoined clauses, sentences, words, and the like, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The disclosure and the following detailed description of certain embodiments thereof may be understood by reference to the following figures:

FIG. 1 depicts an example transmission.

FIG. 2 depicts an example transmission.

FIG. 3 depicts an example transmission.

FIG. 4 depicts an example transmission.

FIG. 5 depicts an example transmission.

FIG. 6 depicts an example transmission.

FIG. 7 depicts an example transmission.

FIG. 8 depicts a cutaway view of an example transmission.

FIG. 9 depicts a cutaway view of an example transmission.

FIG. 10 depicts a cutaway view of an example transmission.

FIG. 11 depicts an exploded view of an example transmission.

FIG. 12 depicts an exploded view of an example friction brake.

FIG. 13 depicts an example integrated actuation assembly.

FIG. 14 depicts an example transmission control module.

FIG. 15 depicts an example integrated actuation assembly.

FIG. 16 depicts an example lubrication pump assembly.

FIG. 17 depicts an exploded view of an example lubrication pump assembly.

FIG. 18 depicts example bushing lubrication tubes in the context of an example transmission.

FIG. 19 depicts an example bushing lubrication tube.

FIG. 20 depicts an example bushing lubrication tube.

FIG. 21 depicts an example bushing lubrication tube.

FIG. 22 depicts an example bushing lubrication tube.

FIG. 23 depicts a cutaway view of an example driveline assembly.

FIG. 24 depicts an example driveline assembly.

FIG. 25 depicts a cutaway view of an example driveline assembly.

FIG. 26 depicts a cutaway view of an example input shaft assembly.

FIG. 27 depicts a cutaway view of an example actuator assembly.

FIG. 28 depicts a cutaway view of an example input shaft end.

FIG. 29 depicts a cutaway view of an example main shaft portion.

FIG. 30 depicts a cutaway view of an example countershaft.

FIG. 31 depicts a detail of an example roller bearing.

FIG. 32 depicts a detail of an example roller bearing.

FIG. 33 depicts a cutaway view of an example countershaft.

FIG. 34 depicts a cutaway of an example planetary gear assembly.

FIG. 35 depicts a detail view of an example sliding clutch.

FIG. 36 depicts a detail view of an example output synchronization assembly.

FIG. 37 depicts an example output shaft assembly portion.

FIG. 38 depicts an example planetary gear assembly portion.

FIG. 39 depicts an example shift actuator in proximity to a sliding clutch.

FIG. 40 depicts an example transmission.

FIG. 41 depicts an example exploded clutch assembly.

FIG. 42 depicts an example exploded clutch assembly.

FIG. 43 depicts an example pressure plate assembly.

FIG. 44 depicts an example pressure plate assembly.

FIG. 45 is a schematic flow diagram of a service event.

FIG. 46 is a schematic flow diagram of a service event.

FIG. 47 depicts an example clutch housing.

FIG. 48 depicts an example clutch housing.

FIG. 49 depicts an example rear housing.

FIG. 50 depicts an example rear housing.

FIG. 51 depicts an example rear housing.

FIG. 52 depicts an example lubrication pump assembly.

FIG. 53 depicts an example lubrication pump assembly.

FIG. 54 depicts an example main housing.

FIG. 55 depicts an example main housing.

FIG. 56 depicts an example main housing.

FIG. 57 depicts an example main housing.

FIG. 58 depicts an example main housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referencing FIG. 1, an example transmission 100 having one or more aspects of the present disclosure is depicted. The example transmission 100 includes a main housing 102, the main housing 102 defines the outer shape of portions of the transmission 100 and in certain embodiments the main housing 102 includes one or more components made of aluminum. The example main housing 102 is coupled to a clutch housing 104, wherein the clutch housing 104 includes or is operationally coupled to a clutch 106. The example transmission 100 further includes a rear housing 108. The rear housing 108 provides aspects of the transmission 100 enclosure at the rear, including in certain embodiments a planetary or helical gear set disposed within the rear housing 108, having structural engagement with an output shaft assembly 110.

The example transmission 100 includes an integrated actuator housing 112 coupled to the main housing 102. The integrated actuator housing 112 in the example of FIG. 1 is coupled to the top of the transmission 100, and the main housing 102 includes an opening (not shown) at the position where the integrated actuator housing 112 coupled to the main housing 102. In the example transmission 100 the opening in the main housing 102 provides access for actuators operationally coupled to the integrated actuator housing 112, including for example a clutch actuator and/or one or more gear shifting actuators. Example transmission 100 further includes a transmission control module 114 (TCM), where the example TCM 114 couples directly to the integrated actuator housing 112.

The arrangement of the aspects of the transmission 100 depicted in FIG. 1 is an example and nonlimiting arrangement. Other arrangements of various aspects are contemplated herein, although in certain embodiments one or more of the arrangements depicted in FIG. 1 may be advantageous as described throughout the present disclosure. Particular arrangements and aspects of the transmission 100 may be included in certain embodiments, including one or more of the aspects arranged as depicted, and one or more of the aspects arranged in a different manner as would be understood to one of skill in the art contemplating a particular application and/or installation.

The description of spatial arrangements in the present disclosure, for example front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, and the like are provided for convenience of description and for clarity in describing the relationship of components. The description of a particular spatial arrangement and/or relationship is nonlimiting to embodiments of a transmission 100 consistent with the present disclosure, in a particular transmission 100 may be arranged in any manner understood in the art. For example, and without limitation, a particular transmission 100 may be installed such that a “rear” position may be facing a front, side, or other direction as installed on a vehicle and/or application. Additionally or alternatively, the transmission 100 may be rotated and or tilted about any axis, for example and without limitation at an azimuthal angle relative to a driveline (e.g. the rotational angle of the clutch 106), and/or a tilting from front to back such as to accommodate an angled driveline. Accordingly, one or more components may be arranged relatively as described herein, and a component described as above another component may nevertheless be the vertically lower component as installed in a particular vehicle or application. Further, components for certain embodiments may be arranged in a relative manner different than that depicted herein, resulting in a component described as above another component being vertically lower for those certain embodiments or resulting in a component described as to the rear of another being positioned forward of the other, depending on the frame of reference of the observer. For example, an example transmission 100 includes two countershafts (not shown) and a first particular feature engaging an upper countershaft may be described and depicted as above a second particular feature engaging a lower countershaft; it is nevertheless contemplated herein that an arrangement with the first particular feature engaging the lower countershaft in the second particular feature engaging the upper countershaft is consistent with at least certain embodiments of the present disclosure, except where context indicates otherwise.

Referencing FIG. 2, a transmission 100 is depicted in a top view, wherein the transmission 100 depicted in FIG. 2 is consistent with the transmission 100 depicted in FIG. 1. In the top view of the transmission 100, the rear housing 108, the clutch housing 104, and the main housing 102 remain visible. Additionally, the integrated actuator housing 112 and TCM 114 are visible at the top of the main housing 102. The example transmission 100 further includes a clutch actuator housing 202 that provides accommodation for a clutch actuator assembly (not shown in FIG. 2). Clutch actuator housing 202 is depicted as a portion of the integrated actuator housing 112 and positioned at the top of the transmission 100. The example clutch actuator housing 202 and clutch actuator assembly, as evidenced by the position of the clutch actuator housing 202, engages an upper countershaft at the rear side; however, a lubrication pump assembly may engage one or more countershafts at any axial position along the transmission 100. Further details of an example lubrication pump assembly are described in other portions of the present disclosure.

The example transmission 100 of FIG. 2 further depicts the output shaft assembly 110 at a rear of the transmission, in the example depicted as a standard driveline output shaft assembly 110; however, any output shaft assembly 110 design for the particular application is contemplated herein. The transmission 100 further depicts an input shaft 204, in the example the input shaft 204 extends through the clutch 106 on the outside of the transmission 100, in engages a prime mover shaft, such as tail shaft. An example input shaft 204 includes a spline engagement with a prime mover shaft, although any coupling arrangement understood in the art is contemplated herein.

The example transmission 100 depicted in FIG. 2 includes a single air input line (not shown), which in the example is pneumatically coupled to the integrated actuator housing 112. In certain embodiments, the transmission 100 includes a clutch actuator and one or more shift actuators, wherein the clutch actuator and the shift actuator(s) are powered by a single or common air input supply line as depicted in the example of FIG. 2. Additionally or alternatively, each of the actuators may be powered by separate power inputs, and/or alternative power sources, such as, but not limited to, a hydraulic and/or an electric source.

Referencing FIG. 3, a transmission 100 arranged in a similar orientation to the representation depicted in FIG. 1 is illustrated to more clearly show certain aspects of the transmission 100. The example transmission 100 includes the integrated actuator housing 112, wherein an air input port 302 provides pneumatic access for the air input supply to engage the clutch actuator and the shift actuator(s). The example transmission 100 includes only a single power input to operate all actuators, and in further embodiments the single power input is included as an air input port 302. In embodiments, a single air supply is provided for pneumatic actuation of the clutch actuator (such as a linear clutch actuator (LCA) and each of the gear shift actuators (e.g., actuators for front, main and rear gear boxes). In embodiments, the air supply is handled within the integrated actuator housing via a set of conduits that accept air from the air input supply and deliver the air to power movement of each of the actuators. The conduits may be integrated (e.g., machined, cast, etc.) into the housing/structure of the integrated actuator housing, such that air is delivered without requiring separate hoses or the like, between the air input supply and the respective actuators for clutch and gear movement. Among other benefits, this removes potential points of failure (such as leaky hoses or poor connections to hoses) and allows very precise control (because, among other reasons, the volume of air is smaller and more precisely defined that for a hose-based system). It should be understood that a given integrated actuator housing 112 includes the number and type of power access points for the particular arrangement, such as an electrical and/or hydraulic input, and/or more than one input of a given type, such as pneumatic. Additionally or alternatively, in certain embodiments the transmission 100 includes one or more power inputs positioned in locations distinct from the location of the air input port 302 in the example of FIG. 4.

The example transmission 100 depicted in FIG. 3 further shows a sensor port 304. In the example of FIG. 3, sensor port 304 couples a controller on the TCM 114 to a speed sensor on the output shaft assembly 110 of the transmission 100. Referencing FIG. 4, a sensor coupler 404 operationally couples a sensor (e.g. a speed sensor of any type, such as a hall effect, variable reluctance, tachograph, or the like) to the sensor connector 304, for example to provide an output shaft speed value to the TCM 114. Additionally, the transmission 100 includes an oil pressure sensor 406. In embodiments, a given transmission 100 may include any number of sensors of any type desired, including having no speed sensor and/or other sensors. In certain embodiments, the type and source of information may vary with the control features and diagnostics present in the system. Additionally or alternatively, any given sensed value may instead be determined from other values known in the system (e.g. a virtual sensor, model, or other construction or derivation of a given value from other sensors or other known information), and/or any given sensed value may be determined from a datalink communication or alternate source rather than or in addition to a direct sensor coupled to a controller. The controller may be in communication with any sensor and/or actuator anywhere on the transmission 100 and/or within a system including or integrated with the transmission 100, such as a driveline, vehicle, or other application, as well as with remote systems, such as through one or more communications networks, such as Bluetooth™, cellular, WiFi, or the like, including to remote systems deployed in the cloud, such as for telematics and similar applications, among others.

The example transmission 100 includes a pair of electrical connectors 402 (reference FIG. 4), depicted as two standard 20-pin connectors in the example depicted in FIG. 4, although any electrical interface may be utilized. An example TCM 114 includes an electrical connection between the TCM 114 and the integrated actuator housing 112, for example wherein the TCM 114 plugs into the integrated actuator housing 112 providing electrical datalink communication (e.g. between a controller present on the integrated actuator and the controller on the TCM 114—not shown) and/or direct actuator control of actuators in the integrated actuator housing 112. In certain embodiments, a single controller may be present which performs all operations on the transmission 100, and/or the functions of the transmission 100 may be divided among one or more controllers distinct from the controller arrangement depicted in FIG. 4. For example and without limitation, a vehicle controller, application controller, engine controller, or another controller present in the transmission 100 or overall system may include one or more functions of the transmission 100.

The example transmission 100 further includes a clutch 106. The example clutch 106 includes a clutch face 306 and one or more torsional springs 308. Example clutch face 306 includes a number of frictional plates 310, and the clutch face 306 presses against an opposing face from a prime mover (not shown), for example a flywheel of the engine. The torsional springs 308 of the example clutch face 306 provide rotational damping of the clutch 106 to transient forces while maintaining steady state alignment of the clutch 106. The clutch face 306 may alternatively be any type of clutch face understood in the art, including for example a single frictional surface rather than frictional plates 310. In the example clutch face 306, the frictional plates 310 are included as a portion of the clutch face 306. The divisions between the clutch plates are provided as grooved divisions of the clutch face 306 base material to provide desired performance (e.g. frictional performance, debris management, and/or heat transfer functions), but any clutch face 306 configuration including alternate groove patterns and/or no presence of grooves is contemplated herein. The material of the example clutch face 306 may be any material understood in the art, including at least a ceramic material and/or organic clutch material. In embodiments, as depicted in more detail below, the clutch 106 may be positioned off-axis relative to the prime mover, is disposed around (such as via a yoke, horseshoe or similar configuration) the prime mover (e.g., a shaft), is pivotably anchored on one side (such as by a hinge or similar mechanism that allows it to pivot in the desired direction of movement of the clutch 106, and is actuated by the linear clutch actuator (which may also be positioned off-axis, opposite the anchoring side, so that linear actuation causes the clutch to pivot in the desired direction).

Referencing FIG. 4, an example transmission 100 is depicted from a side view, with the output shaft assembly 110 positioned at the left side of FIG. 4, in the clutch housing 104 positioned at the right side of FIG. 4. The transmission 100 depicted in FIG. 4 includes numerous features that may be present in certain embodiments. For example, numerous fins 408 and/or projections are present that provide selected stress characteristics, management of stress in the housing, and or selected heat transfer characteristics. The example transmission 100 further depicts a power take off device (PTO) interface 410 that allows access for a PTO installation to engage the transmission on a lower side. Additionally or alternatively the transmission 100 may include a second PTO interface on the rear of the transmission (not shown), for example to allow PTO engagement at the rear of the transmission 100. A rear PTO engagement may be provided with a hole (which may be plugged for a non-PTO installation) or other access facility, where the PTO may be engaged, for example, with a quill shaft engaging one of the countershafts of the transmission 100 on a first end and providing an engagement surface, such as a spline, on a second end extending from the transmission 100. The example transmission of FIG. 4 additionally depicts a number of lift points 412, which are optionally present, and which may be arranged as shown or in any other arrangement or position.

Referencing FIG. 5, another view of an example transmission 100 is provided depicting a clear view of the clutch actuator housing 202, the integrated actuator housing 112, in the TCM 114. The example transmission 100 further includes a number of couplings 502 between the main housing 102 and a rear housing 108, and a number of couplings 504 between the main housing 102 and the clutch housing 104. In certain embodiments the selection of housing elements (102, 104, 108) that includes the driveline portions of the transmission 100 may be distinct from the selection of housing elements (102, 104, 108) as depicted in FIG. 5. For example, certain housing elements may be combined, divided, and/or provided at distinct separation points from those depicted in FIG. 5. Several considerations that may be included in determining the selection of housing elements include the strength of materials utilized in manufacturing housings, the power throughput of the transmission 100, the torque (maximum and/or transient) throughput of the transmission 100, manufacturability considerations (including at least positioning the housing and devices within the housing during manufacture, materials selected for the housing, and/or manufacturing cost and repeatability considerations), and the cost and/or reliability concerns associated with each housing interface (for example the interface 506 between the main housing 102 and the rear housing 108).

Referencing FIG. 6, another view of an example transmission 100 is provided depicting a clear view of the PTO interface 410. The example PTO interface 410 is an 8 bolt interface provided on a lower side of the transmission 100. Referencing FIG. 7 a schematic view of a transmission housing 700 is depicted. The housing 700 includes an actuator engagement opening 702 positioned at the top of the transmission. The actuator engagement opening 702 is sized to accommodate attachment of the integrated actuator housing 112, and to allow actuation elements to be positioned into the transmission 100. The position, size, shape, and other elements of an actuator engagement opening 702, where present, may be selected according to the particular features of actuators for the system. The example transmission 100, actuator engagement opening 702, and integrated actuator housing 112, are readily accessible with access to the top of the transmission 100, and can be installed, serviced, maintained, or otherwise accessed or manipulated without removal of the transmission 100 from the application or vehicle, and/or without disassembly of the transmission 100. The example housing 700 further includes a clutch actuator engagement opening 704, sized to accommodate attachment of the clutch housing portion of the integrated actuator housing 112, and to allow the clutch actuator to be positioned into the transmission 100. In the example housing 700, shift actuators (not shown) are positioned into the transmission 100 through the actuator engagement opening 702, and a clutch actuator is positioned into the transmission 100 through the clutch actuator engagement opening 704, and it can be seen that a single step installation of the integrated actuator housing 112 provides an insulation of all primary actuators for the transmission 100, as well as providing a convenient single location for access to all primary actuators.

Referencing FIG. 8, an example transmission 100 is depicted schematically in a cutaway view. The cutaway plane in the example of FIG. 8 is a vertical plane through the transmission 100. The example transmission 100 is capable of providing power throughput from a prime mover interfacing with the clutch 106 to the input shaft 204, from the input shaft 204 to a first main shaft portion 804, to a second main shaft portion 806 operationally coupled to the first main shaft portion 804, and from the second main shaft portion 806 to the output shaft assembly 110. Example transmission 100 is operable to adjust torque multiplication ratios throughout the transmission, to engage and disengage the clutch 106 from the prime mover (not shown), and/or to position the transmission 100 into a neutral position wherein, even if the clutch 106 is engaged to the prime mover, torque is not transmitted from the clutch 106 to the output shaft assembly 110.

With further reference to FIG. 8, a clutch engagement yoke 808 is depicted in a first position 808A consistent with, in certain embodiments, the clutch 106 being engaged with the prime mover (i.e. the clutch 106 in a forward position). For purposes of clarity of the description, the clutch engagement yoke 808 is simultaneously depicted in a second position 808B consistent with, in certain embodiments, the clutch 106 being disengaged with the prime mover (i.e. the clutch 106 in a withdrawn position). The example clutch engagement yoke 808 is operationally coupled at a first end to a clutch actuator, which in the example of FIG. 8 engages the clutch engagement yoke at the upper end of the clutch engagement yoke 808. The example clutch engagement yoke 808 is fixed at a second end, providing a pivot point for the clutch engagement yoke 808 to move between the first position 808A and the second position 808B. A clutch engagement yoke 808 of the example in FIG. 8 enables convenient actuation of the clutch 106 with a linear actuator, however in certain embodiments of the present disclosure any type of clutch actuation may be utilized, including a concentric clutch actuator (not shown) and/or another type of linear clutch actuation device.

The example transmission 100 further includes an input shaft gear 810 selectively coupled to the input shaft 204. The inclusion of the input shaft gear 810, where present, allows for additional distinct gear ratios provided by the input shaft 204, for example a gear ratio where torque is transmitted to the input shaft gear 810, where torque is transmitted directly to the first main shaft portion 804 (e.g. with both the input shaft 204 and the first main shaft portion 804 coupled to a first forward gear 812). In certain embodiments, the shared first forward gear 812 between the input shaft 204 and the first main shaft portion 804 may be termed a “splitter gear,” although any specific naming convention for the first forward gear 812 is not limiting to the present disclosure.

The example transmission 100 further includes a number of gears selectively coupled to the first main shaft portion 804. In the example of FIG. 8, the first forward gear 812, a second forward gear 814, and third forward gear 816 are depicted, and a first reverse gear 818 is further shown. In the example, the first forward gear 812 is couplable to either of the input shaft 204 and/or the first main shaft portion 804. When the input shaft 204 is coupled to the first forward gear 812 and the first main shaft portion 804 is not, a gear ratio between the input shaft 204 and the first main shaft portion 804 is provided. When the input shaft 204 is coupled to the first forward gear 812 and the first main shaft portion 804 is also coupled to the first forward gear 812, the input shaft 204 and first main shaft portion 804 turn at the same angular speed. The number and selection of gears depends upon the desired number of gear ratios from the transmission, and the depicted number of gears is not limiting to the present disclosure.

The example transmission 100 further includes a planetary gear assembly 820 that couples the second main shaft portion 806 to the output shaft assembly 110 through at least two selectable gear ratios between the second main shaft portion 806 and the output shaft assembly 110. The example transmission 100 further includes at least one countershaft, the countershaft having an aligning gear with each of the gears coupleable to the input shaft 204 in the first main shaft portion 804. The countershaft(s) thereby selectively transmit power between the input shaft 204 in the first main shaft portion 804, depending upon which gears are rotationally fixed to the input shaft 204 and/or the first main shaft portion 804. Further details of the countershaft(s) are described following, for example in the portion of the disclosure referencing FIG. 9.

It can be seen that the transmission 100 in the example of FIG. 8 provides for up to 12 forward gear ratios (2×3×2) and up to four reverse gear ratios (2×1×2). A particular embodiment may include distinct gear arrangements from those depicted, and/or may not use all available gear ratios. In embodiments, an eighteen speed automatic truck transmission may be provided, such as by providing three forward gears, three main gears, and two planetary gears, referred to herein as a three-by-three-by-two architecture. Similarly, a twelve-speed automatic truck transmission can be provided by providing three forward gears, two main gears, and two planetary gears, or other combinations.

Referencing FIG. 9, an example transmission 100 is depicted schematically in a cutaway view. The example of FIG. 9 depicts a cutaway through a plane intersecting to twin countershafts 902, 904. The example countershafts 902, 904 are positioned at 180° on each side of the first main shaft portion 804. In certain embodiments the transmission 100 may include only a single countershaft, and/or more than two countershafts. The positioning and angle of the countershafts 902, 904 depicted in FIG. 9 is a nonlimiting example, and the countershafts 902, 904 may be adjusted as desired for the application. Each of the example countershafts 902, 904 includes a gear layer 906 meshing with a corresponding gear on the input shaft 204 and/or the first main shaft portion 804 respectively. The example transmission 100 includes the gears 906 rotationally fixed to the countershafts 902, 904, with the corresponding gears on the input shaft 204 and/or the first main shaft portion 804 being selectively rotationally fixed to the input shaft 204 and/or the first main shaft portion 804. Additionally or alternatively, gears 906 may be selectively rotationally fixed to the countershafts 902, 904, with one or more of the corresponding gears on the input shaft 204 and/or the first main shaft portion 804 being rotationally fixed to the input shaft 204 and/or the first main shaft portion 804. The descriptions of actuators for shifting presented herein utilize the convention that the gears 906 are rotationally fixed to the countershafts 902, 904, and changes to which gears are rotationally fixed or selectively rotationally fixed would lead to corresponding changes in actuation.

Example transmission 100 includes a first actuator 908, for example a shift fork, that moves (e.g., side to side and/or up or down) under actuation, to selectively rotationally couple the input shaft 204 to one of the countershafts 902, 904, or to the first main shaft portion 804. The first actuator 908 interacts with a gear coupler 910, and in certain embodiments the gear coupler 910 includes a synchronizing component as understood in the art. The first actuator 908 is further operable to position the gear coupler 910 into an intermediate position wherein the input shaft 204 is rotationally decoupled from both the countershafts 902, 904 and the first main shaft portion 804—for example placing the transmission 100 into a neutral operating state. In certain embodiments the first actuator 908 is a portion of, and is controlled by an integrated actuator assembly 1300 (e.g. reference FIG. 13) positioned within the integrated actuator housing 112.

Example transmission 100 further includes a second actuator 912 that, under actuation, such as moving side to side and/or up or down, selectively rotationally couples one of the first forward gear 812 and the second forward gear 814 to the first main shaft portion 804, thereby rotationally coupling the countershafts 902, 904 to the first main shaft portion 804. The example transmission 100 further includes a third actuator 914 that, under actuation, selectively rotationally couples one of the third forward gear 816 and the reverse gear 818 to the first main shaft portion 804, thereby rotationally coupling countershafts 902, 904 to the first main shaft portion 804. In certain embodiments, the second actuator 912 in the third actuator 914 are operable to be positioned into an intermediate position wherein the first main shaft portion 804 is rotationally decoupled from both the countershafts 902, 904—for example placing the transmission 100 into a neutral operating state. In certain embodiments, at least one of the second actuator 912 and the third actuator 914 are positioned into the intermediate position at any given time, preventing coupling of the countershafts 902, 904 to the first main shaft portion 804 at two different speed ratios simultaneously. In certain embodiments the second actuator 912 and the third actuator 914 are portions of or are integrated with, and are controlled by, the integrated actuator assembly 1300 positioned within the integrated actuator housing 112.

In the example transmission 100, the second actuator 912 interacts with a second gear coupler 916, and the third actuator 914 interacts with a third gear coupler 918, where each of the second and third gear couplers 916, 918 may include a synchronizing component. According to the arrangement depicted in FIG. 9, the first, second, and third actuators 908, 912, 914 are operable to provide a number of distinct forward gear options, reflecting different combinations of gear ratios (e.g., six, twelve, or eighteen gears), and a number (e.g., two) of distinct reverse gear ratios. The planetary gear assembly 820 may include a clutch (such as a sliding clutch 920) configured to position the planetary gear assembly 820 and provide two distinct ratios between the second main shaft portion 806, and the output shaft assembly 110. Therefore, according to the arrangement depicted in FIG. 9, the transmission 100 is operable to provide twelve distinct forward gear ratios, and four distinct reverse gear ratios. In certain embodiments, one or more of the available gear ratios may not be utilized, and a selection of the number of forward gears, number of reverse gears, and number of actuators may be distinct from the arrangement depicted in FIG. 9.

The example transmission 100 provides for a direct drive arrangement, for example where the first actuator 908 couples the input shaft 204 to the first main shaft portion 804 (gear coupler 910 to the right in the orientation depicted in FIG. 9), and where the second actuator 912 couples the first main shaft portion 804 the first forward gear. Direct drive operation transfers power through the planetary gear assembly 820, with the sliding clutch 920 providing either gear reduction (e.g. sliding clutch 920 positioned to the right in the orientation depicted in FIG. 9) or full direct drive of the transmission 100 (e.g. sliding clutch 920 positioned to the left in the orientation depicted in FIG. 9). In certain embodiments, direct drive may be a “highest” gear ratio of the transmission 100, and/or the transmission may include one or more overdrive gears. The determination of the number of gears, how many gears are forward and/or reverse, and the ratios of each gear, including whether and how many overdrive gears may be present, and how many gear ratio combinations are selectable, are configurable features that depend upon desired response characteristics for a particular application. An example transmission 100 includes the integrated actuator assembly 1300 operably coupled to the sliding clutch 920, for example with a shift fork (not shown) mounted on a shift rail.

The example transmission 100 depicts the PTO interface 410 positioned in proximity to the lower countershaft 904. In certain embodiments, the transmission 100 includes a main housing 102 where the main housing 102 is made of aluminum, and/or is a cast component. It will be understood that material constraints and component stress management indicate that certain features of an aluminum housing will be larger, thicker, or otherwise modified relative to a steel housing. For example bolt bosses of the PTO interface 410 can be deeper and project further into the main housing 102 for a PTO interface 410 designed in an aluminum housing relative to a similar installation designed in a steel housing. Cast components, in certain embodiments and depending upon casting process used, impose certain constraints upon component design. For example, for certain casting processes it can be beneficial to constrain a component to have a monotonically increasing outer profile or housing shape. Example transmission 100 includes gear ratio and sizing selections, as well as selection of the PTO interface 410 position, such that a gear of the lower countershaft 904 having a greatest radial extent from a centerline the gear train is positioned in proximity to the PTO interface 410. An example transmission 100 includes the PTO device accessing the transmission 100 at the PTO interface 410 being powered by the first forward gear 812 (e.g. the splitter gear) through the corresponding countershaft gear.

In certain embodiments, the transmission 100 allows for engagement of a PTO device (not shown) directly with a gear engaging in lower countershaft 904, without having to use in idler gear or similar mechanical configuration to extend power transfer from the lower countershaft 904. It can also be seen that the example transmission 100 includes a geometric profile of the gears in the gear train, such that an easily castable main housing 102 can be positioned over the gears after the gear train is assembled, and/or the gear train can be assembled into the main housing 102 in a straightforward manner. Further, it can be seen that the example transmission 100 includes provisioning for bolt bosses of the PTO interface 410, even where deeper bolt bosses are provided, such as an application having an aluminum main housing 102.

Example transmission 100 further includes a controllable braking device 922 selectively coupleable to at least one of the countershafts 902, 904. In the example depicted in FIG. 9, the braking device 922 is selectively coupleable to the lower countershaft 904, however a braking device 922 may be coupleable to either countershaft 902, 904, and/or more than one braking device may be present in coupleable to each countershaft present. The braking device 922 provides capability to slow the countershaft and/or driveline, to stop the countershaft and/or driveline, and/or to provide stationary hold capability to the driveline. An example braking device 922 includes a braking device actuator 924 (a pneumatic input in the example of FIG. 9) which may be controllable pneumatically by an integrated actuator assembly 1300 positioned in the integrated actuator housing 112. Additionally or alternatively, any other actuating means and controller is contemplated herein, including at least an electrical and/or hydraulically operated actuator, and/or any other driveline braking device, is further contemplated herein. Additionally or alternatively, any other type of braking device may be included within the transmission 100 and/or positioned upstream or downstream of the transmission 100, for example a hydraulic retarder and/or an electric braking device (not shown), which may be controllable by an actuator in the integrated actuator assembly 1300 positioned in the integrated actuator housing 112, by the TCM 114, and/or by another control device in the system (not shown).

The example transmission 100 includes the output shaft assembly 110. The example output shaft assembly 110 includes an output shaft 926, wherein the output shaft is rotationally coupled to the planetary gear assembly 820. The output shaft assembly 110 further includes a driveline adapter 928 coupled to the output shaft 926, and configured to engage a downstream device (not shown) in the driveline. The driveline adapter 928 may be any type of device known in the art, and the specific depiction of the driveline adapter 928 is nonlimiting. The selection of a driveline adapter 928 will depend in part on the application, the type of downstream device, and other considerations known in the art.

Referencing FIG. 10, an example transmission 100 is depicted schematically in a cutaway view. The cutaway plane and the example of FIG. 10 is a plane intersecting a clutch actuator 1002 in the driveline (e.g. including the input shaft four, the first and second main shaft portions 804, 806, in the output shaft assembly 110). The depiction in FIG. 10 illustrates the clutch engagement yoke 808 in both the first position 808A in the second position 808B. The example transmission 100 includes a linear clutch actuator 1002, positioned within the clutch actuator housing 202 and extending to the clutch engagement yoke 808. In the example of FIG. 10, the clutch actuator 1002 is pneumatically operated and applies a pushing force to the clutch engagement yoke 808, and returns a retracted position in response to force from the clutch engagement yoke 808. Example clutch actuator 1002 provides a normally engaged clutch 106, such that if the clutch actuator 1002 is not actively engaging the clutch engagement yoke 808, the clutch 106 extends and engages. The example clutch actuator 1002 is a pneumatic, linear clutch actuator (LCA), that pushes to engage, however any type of clutch actuator is contemplated herein, for example and without limitation a pull to engage actuator (e.g. utilizing a catapult or other mechanical arrangement), hydraulic and/or electrical actuation, and/or engaging with a normally engaged or normally disengaged clutch 106. In certain embodiments, the clutch actuator 1002 includes a near zero dead air volume in the retracted position. Example support features to maintain near zero dead air volume for the clutch actuator 1002 are described as follows. In certain embodiments, the utilization of a linear actuator, the inclusion of a near zero dead air volume, and the positioning of the clutch actuator housing 202 as a part of the integrated actuator housing 112 support various enhancements of one or more of accessibility to the clutch actuator housing 202, accessibility to the clutch actuator 1002, improvements to the control and/or repeatability of clutch actuation, reduction of points of failure, and/or diagnosing or determining the precise position of the clutch face 306 (including as the clutch 106 wears over time). In certain embodiments, a near zero dead air volume includes a volume 1004 behind the clutch actuator 1002 on a supply side, wherein the volume 1004 is small enough such that provided air immediately begins putting an actuation force onto the clutch actuator 1002, and/or such that a consistent initial air volume each times begins a consistent movement on the clutch actuator 1002. Example air volumes that are near zero include, without limitation, the clutch actuator 1002 positioned against an air feed tube (e.g. as depicted in the example of FIG. 10), a volume small enough such that clutch actuation begins after application of supply pressure within a selected response time (e.g. 5 msec, 10 msec, 20 msec, 40 msec, 100 msec, and/or 200 msec), and/or a volume less than a specified volume difference behind the clutch actuator 1002 on the feed side between the clutch actuator 1002 in a current rest position and the clutch actuator 1002 in a predetermined rest position (e.g. fully positioned against a stop), where the specified volume is approximately zero, less than 0.1 cc, less than 0.5 cc, and/or less than 1 cc. The provided examples for a near zero volume are illustrative and not limiting. One of skill in the art, having the benefit of the present disclosure and information ordinarily available when contemplating a particular embodiment, can readily determine a near zero volume for a contemplated application. Certain considerations to determine a near zero dead air volume include, without limitation, the pressure and/or rate of supplied actuation air, the desired response time for the clutch actuator 1002, computing resources available on the TCM 114 or elsewhere in the system, and/or the physical responsiveness of the clutch actuator 1002 to supplied air.

The example transmission 100 depicted in FIG. 10 includes a first ball bearing 1102 positioned in the clutch housing 104 (and/or pressed into the clutch housing 104) and coupled to the input shaft 204, a second ball bearing 1104 positioned in the main housing 102 (and/or pressed into the main housing 102) and coupled to the second main shaft portion 806, and a third ball bearing 1106 positioned in front of the planetary gear assembly 820 and coupled to the second main shaft portion 806. Additionally or alternatively, the example transmission 100 includes a fourth ball bearing 1109 positioned at an interface between the rear housing 108 and the output shaft assembly 110 (e.g. pressed into the rear housing 108), and coupled to the output shaft 926. An example transmission 100 further includes a release bearing 1118 coupled to the clutch 106 and providing a portion of an assembly between the clutch engagement yoke 808 and a clutch assembly to provide for release of the clutch 106 in response to actuation of the clutch engagement yoke 808.

Referencing FIG. 11, certain elements of an example housing assembly 1100 are depicted schematically and in exploded view. The example housing assembly 1100 depicts the clutch housing 104, the main housing 102, and the rear housing 108. Example housing assembly 1100 includes the first ball bearing 1102 positioned in the clutch housing 104 and engaging the input shaft 204, the second ball bearing 1104 positioned in the main housing 102 and engaging the second main shaft portion 806, and the fourth ball bearing 1109 positioned in the rear housing 108 and engaging the output shaft 926 at an interface between the rear housing 108 and the output shaft assembly 110. The ball bearings 1102, 1104, and 1109 provide for robust alignment of the transmission driveline, for example to ensure alignment with upstream and downstream driveline components. Additionally or alternatively, the ball bearings 1102, 1104, and 1109 are pressed into respective housing elements to provide for ease of manufacture and/or assembly of the transmission 100. The number and arrangement of ball bearings in a particular transmission 100 is a design choice, and any provided number and arrangement of ball bearings is contemplated herein.

The example housing assembly 1100 further includes a number of roller bearings 1108, which may be pressed into respective housing elements, in the example a roller bearing engages each end of the countershafts 902, 904. In a further example, a forward end of the countershafts 902, 904 each engages one of the roller bearings 1108 at an interface between the clutch housing 104 and the main housing 102, and a rearward end of the countershafts 902, 904 each engages one of the roller bearings 1108 at an interface between the main housing 102 in the rear housing 108. The type, number, and location of bearings engaging the countershafts 902, 904 are design choices, and any provided number, type, and location of bearings are contemplated herein.

In embodiments, one or more bearings, including for various gears of the transmission, may be configured to reduce or cancel thrust loads that occur when the drive shaft for the vehicle is engaged.

Example housing assembly 1100 further includes a cover plate 1110 for the PTO interface 410, and associated fasteners 1112 (e.g. bolts in the example housing assembly 1100). A cover plate 1110 may be utilized where a PTO device does not engage PTO interface 410, such as where no PTO device is present and/or where a PTO device engages a transmission from a rear location or other location. In certain embodiments, for example where transmission 100 does not include the PTO interface 410, the cover plate 1110 may be omitted. Additionally or alternatively, the transmission 100 included in a system planned to have a PTO device engaging the PTO interface 410 may likewise omit the cover plate 1110, and/or include a cover plate 1110 that is removed by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or other installer of a PTO device.

The example housing assembly 1100 further includes a bearing cover 1114, where the bearing cover 1114 protects and retains the fourth ball bearing 1109. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the example housing assembly 1100 further includes a seal 1116, for example to retain lubricating oil for the output shaft 926 and/or the fourth ball bearing 1109 within the transmission 100. The presence and type of seal 1116 depend upon the characteristics and type of lubrication system, and may be of any type.

Referencing FIG. 12, an exploded view 1200 of portions of an open clutch housing 104 consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure is schematically depicted. The view 1200 depicts a first cover 1202 corresponding to, in the example, the upper countershaft 902. The view 1200 further depicts a first cover seal 1204, wherein the first cover seal 1204 provides for sealing between the first cover 1202 and the clutch housing 104. The view 1200 further depicts a braking device 922 in exploded view. The example braking device 922 includes a braking disc assembly 1206. The example braking device 922 includes a braking device actuator 924 depicted as a portion thereof. The example braking device actuator 924 includes a braking piston 1208, piston seals 1210, a piston wear ring 1212, and a braking cover seal 1214. The example braking cover seal 1214 includes an actuation control input 1216, for example a pneumatic port coupled to the integrated actuator assembly 1300 positioned in the integrated actuator housing 112, such as through an air tubing 1226. Any type of actuation coupling, and/or control are contemplated herein, including at least hydraulic and/or electrical actuation. In certain embodiments, the piston seals 1210 and piston wearing 1212 are positioned in grooves 1218 provided along a bore of the braking piston 1208. The view 1200 further depicts a second cover seal 1220 and a third cover seal 1222, as well as a braking cover adapter 1224. In the example of the view 1200, the second cover seal 1220 provides sealing between the braking cover adapter 1224 and the clutch housing 104, and the third cover seal 1222 provides sealing between the braking cover adapter 1224 and the braking cover seal 1214.

Referencing FIG. 13, an example integrated actuator assembly 1300 includes an integrated actuator housing 112 and a clutch actuator housing 202. The example integrated actuator assembly 1300 depicts an example first actuator 908 operationally coupled to a first shift rail 1302 (e.g. a pneumatic rail), an example second actuator 912 coupled to a second shift rail 1304, and an example third actuator 914 coupled to a third shift rail 1306. The shape, position, and shift rail positions of the actuators 908, 912, 914 are selectable to meet the geometry, actuation force requirements, and the like of a particular application. The example integrated actuator assembly 1300 further includes the clutch actuator 1002 positioned in the clutch actuator housing 202 and operationally coupled to the integrated actuator assembly 1300. The TCM 114 is depicted as mounted on the integrated actuator assembly 1300, although the TCM 114 may be positioned elsewhere in a particular transmission 100. A seal 1308 is provided between the integrated actuator housing 112 and the TCM 114 in the example arrangement. Additional actuation engagement points 1310, 1312 are provided, for example to operationally couple the sliding clutch 920 and/or the actuator control input 1216 to the integrated actuator assembly 1300. The position and arrangement of additional actuation engagement points 1310 are non-limiting and may be arranged in any manner. The arrangement depicted in FIG. 13 allows for centralized actuation of active elements of a transmission 100, while allowing ready access to all actuators for installation, service, maintenance, or other purposes.

Referencing FIG. 14, a topside view of the integrated actuator assembly 1300 is provided. The integrated actuator assembly 1300 depicts a TCM cover 1402, which protects and engages the TCM 114 to the integrated actuator housing 112. A connector 1404 is depicted between the TCM 114 and the integrated actuator housing, with a TCM connector seal 1406 also provided. The arrangement and engagement of the TCM 114 is a non-limiting example. Referencing FIG. 15, another view of the example integrated actuator assembly 1300 is shown to provide another angle to view details of the assembly. In certain embodiments, all shift rails 1302, 1304, 1306, the clutch actuator 1002, and the additional actuation engagement points 1310, 1312 are operated from a single power source coupled to the transmission 100 from the surrounding system or application, and in a further example coupled to a single air power source. The selection of a power source, including the power source type (e.g. pneumatic, electrical, and/or hydraulic) as well as the number of power sources, may be distinct from those depicted in the example. In certain embodiments, additional shift rails and/or actuators may be present, for example to provide for additional gear shifting operations and/or to actuate other devices.

Referencing FIG. 16, an example lubrication pump assembly 1600 is depicted. The example lubrication pump assembly 1600 is positioned in-line within the transmission rear housing 108 and against the interface to the main housing 102. The lubrication pump assembly 1600 defines a first hole 1602 therein to accommodate the main driveline passing therethrough, a second hole 1604 therein to accommodate a countershaft (the upper countershaft 902 in the example), and includes a countershaft interface assembly 1606 that engages one of the countershafts (the lower countershaft 904 in the example). The lubrication pump assembly draws from an oil sump 1608 at the bottom of the transmission 100. In the example transmission 100, the oil sump 1608 is a dry sump—for example the gears and rotating portions of the transmission do not rotate within the oil in the sump. One of skill in the art will recognize that maintaining a thy sump reduces the losses in rotating elements, as they are rotating in air rather than a viscous fluid, but increases the challenges in ensuring that moving parts within the transmission maintain proper lubrication. Oil may drain to the sump 1608 and be drawn from the sump by the lubrication pump assembly 1600. In certain embodiments, the sump 1608 is positioned in the rear housing 108, but may be positioned in the main housing 102 (e.g. with the lubrication pump assembly 1600 positioned within the main housing, and/or fluidly coupled to the main housing), and/or both housings 108, 102, for example with a fluid connection between the housings 108, 102.

Referencing FIG. 17, an example lubrication pump assembly 1600 is depicted in exploded view. The example lubrication pump assembly 1600 includes a lubrication pump housing 1702 that couples the lubrication pump assembly 1600 to the transmission 100, and provides structure and certain flow passages to the lubrication pump assembly. The example lubrication pump assembly 1600 further includes a pump element 1704, in the example provided as a gear pump, and a relief valve provided as a check ball 1706, a biasing member 1708, and a plug 1710 retaining the relief valve. The lubrication pump assembly 1600 further includes a driving element 1712 that couples the pump element 1704 to the engaged countershaft. Additionally, the example lubrication pump assembly 1600 includes a spacer 1714 and a lubrication driveline seal 1716. The example lubrication pump includes an oil pickup screen 1718 and a screen retainer 1720. The arrangement of the example lubrication pump assembly 1600 provides for an active lubrication system driven from a countershaft, which operates from a dry sump and includes pressure relief. The arrangement, position, pump type, and other aspects of the example lubrication pump assembly 1600 are non-limiting examples.

Referencing FIG. 18, an example transmission 100 is depicted. The example transmission 100 includes lubrication tubes provided therein that route lubrication from the lubrication pump assembly 1600 to moving parts within the transmission 100. The first lubrication tube 1802 is depicted schematically to provide a reference for the approximate position within the transmission 100 where a first lubrication tube 1802 is positioned. The second lubrication tube 1804 is depicted schematically to provide a reference for the approximate position within the transmission 100 where a second lubrication tube 1804 is positioned. The actual shape, position, and routing of any lubrication tubes 1802, 1804 within a given transmission will depend upon the location and arrangement of the lubrication pump assembly 1600, the parts to be lubricated, the shape and size of the transmission housing elements, and the like. Accordingly, the first lubrication tube 1802 and second lubrication tube 1804 depicted herein are non-limiting examples of lubrication tube arrangements.

Referencing FIG. 19, the first lubrication tube 1802 is depicted in a top view and in a bottom view (reference FIG. 20). Referencing FIG. 21, a second lubrication tube 1804 is depicted in a side view and a top view (reference FIG. 22). The lubrication tubes 1802, 1804 provide for lubrication to all bearings, sleeves, and other elements of the transmission 100 requiring lubrication, and contribute to a lubrication system having a centralized lubrication pump assembly 1600 with short lubrication runs, no external hoses to support the lubrication system, and low lubrication pump losses.

Referencing FIG. 23, an example main driveline assembly 2102 is depicted schematically, with an angled cutaway view to illustrate certain portions of the main driveline. The main driveline assembly 2102 includes the input shaft 204, the first mainshaft portion 804, the second mainshaft portion 806, and the output shaft 926. The main driveline assembly 2102 further includes an upper countershaft 902 and a lower countershaft 904. In the example of FIG. 23, the lower countershaft 904 engages a braking device (e.g. reference FIG. 12) at a forward end, and a lubrication pump device (e.g. reference FIGS. 16 and 17) at a second end. The main driveline assembly 2102 further includes the planetary gear assembly 820 and the driveline adapter 928. The example main driveline assembly 2102 includes helical gears on the main power transfer path—for example on the countershaft, input shaft, and first mainshaft portion gears.

Referencing FIG. 24, an example main driveline assembly 2102 is depicted schematically, with no cutaway on the assembly. The planetary gear assembly 820 in the example includes a ring gear 2202 coupled to the output shaft 926. The sliding clutch 920 engages a sun gear with planetary gears, changing the gear ratio of the planetary gear assembly 820. Additionally in the view of FIG. 24, an idler gear 2204 couples one or both countershafts 902, 904 to the reverse gear 818. The main driveline assembly 2102 as depicted in FIGS. 23 and 24 is a non-limiting illustration of an example driveline assembly, and other arrangements are contemplated herein. It can be seen in the example arrangement of FIGS. 21 and 22 that torque transfer throughout the transmission 100 occurs across helical gears, is shared between two countershafts reducing the torque loads on each countershaft, and provides for a projecting gear 2206 that extends radially outward at a greater extent from the countershaft 904 to facilitate radial engagement of PTO device. The example arrangement can be seen to be readily manufacturable within a cast housing. Additional features and/or benefits of an example main driveline assembly 2102 are described throughout the present specification. A given embodiment may have certain ones of the example features and benefits. Referencing FIG. 25, an example main driveline assembly 2102 is depicted schematically in a cutaway view. In certain embodiments, the main driveline assembly 2102 is consistent with other depictions of an example transmission, and the view of FIG. 25 provides a different view of the main driveline assembly 2102 to further illuminate example details.

Referencing FIG. 26, an example input shaft assembly 2400 is depicted in cutaway view. The example input shaft assembly 2400 includes a snap ring 2402 that retains the first ball bearing 1102. The example input shaft assembly 2400 further depicts a first synchronizer ring 2404 that engages an input shaft gear 810, and a second synchronizer ring 2406 that engages a first forward gear 812. It can be seen in the example of FIG. 26 that engagement with the input shaft gear 810 rotationally couples the input shaft 204 to the countershafts 902, 904, and engagement with the first forward gear 812 couples the input shaft 204 to the first mainshaft portion 804 (e.g. when the first main shaft portion 804 is also coupled to the first forward gear 812) and/or the countershafts (e.g. when the first mainshaft portion 804 is not rotationally coupled to the first forward gear 812). The example input shaft assembly 2400 further includes a thrust bearing 2408, a thrust bearing washer 2410, and a roller needle bearing 2412. The example input shaft assembly 2400 does not include any taper bearings.

Referencing FIG. 27, a close up view of an example first actuator 908 assembly 2500 is depicted schematically. The example assembly 2500 includes a synchronizer roller 2502 and the first and second synchronizer rings 2404, 2406. A synchronizer biasing member 2504 and synchronizer plunger 2506 position the synchronizer roller 2502 relative to the first actuator 908, while allowing flexibility during movement caused by shifting operations.

Referencing FIG. 28, an example first end 2600 of the input shaft 204 is depicted, which in the example of FIG. 28 is the end of the input shaft 204 positioned toward the prime mover. The example end 2600 includes a journal bearing 2602, with a coiled pin 2604 or similar fastener and a snap ring 2606 cooperating to ensure a desired position of the journal bearing 2602 is maintained. The example features of the input shaft 204 are a non-limiting example, and other configurations at the first end 2600 of the input shaft are contemplated herein. The outer surface 2608 of at least a portion of the input shaft 204 is splined, for example to rotationally engage the clutch 106 to the input shaft, thereby transferring torque from a prime mover output (e.g. a flywheel) to the input shaft 204.

Referencing FIG. 29, an example first main shaft portion assembly 2700 is depicted. In certain embodiments, the first main shaft portion 804 may be termed “the main shaft,” the second main shaft portion 806 may be termed a “sun gear shaft” or similar term, and the output shaft assembly 110 including the output shaft 926 and driveline adapter 928 may be termed collectively the “output shaft.” The naming convention utilized for parts in the transmission 100 is not limiting to the present disclosure, and any naming of parts performing various functions described herein is contemplated within the present disclosure. The example first main shaft portion assembly 2700 includes a seal 2702, which may be a cup seal, positioned within the first main shaft portion 804 to at least partially seal lubricating oil in the first main shaft portion 804. The example first main shaft portion assembly 2700 further includes the gears 812, 814, 816, 818 selectively coupled to the main shaft portion 804. The naming of gears herein—for example the first forward gear 812, is not related to the “gear” the transmission 100 is operating in—for example “first gear.” The gear the transmission 100 operates in is determined by design according to the desired final output ratios of the transmission 100, and the transmission 100 operating in first gear may imply a number of gear connections within the transmission 100 to provide the implementation of an operational “first gear” for a vehicle or other application. Typically, gear progression occurs from a first gear to a highest gear, with the first gear providing the highest torque amplification (e.g. prime mover torque multiplied by the total gear ratio experienced at the output shaft 926, and/or further adjusted downstream of the transmission 100 before the load, such as at a rear axle), and the highest gear providing the lowest torque amplification (including an “amplification” ratio less than 1:1, for example in an overdrive gear). Any arrangement of gears and gear progressions are contemplated herein, and not limiting to the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the transmission 100 operates in direct drive (e.g. all shafts 204, 804, 926 spinning at the same speed) and/or in partial direct drive operation (e.g. shafts 204, 804 spinning at the same speed, and shaft 926 having gear reduction from the planetary gear assembly 820).

The example first main shaft portion assembly 2700 further includes a mainshaft key 2704, which may be utilized, for example, to ensure alignment and/or positioning of the first main shaft portion 804. An example first main shaft portion assembly 2700 further includes a main shaft thrust bearing 2706 configured to accept thrust loads on the first main shaft portion 804, and a race bearing 2708 configured to accept radial loads on the first main shaft portion 804. In certain embodiments, the first main shaft portion assembly 2700 does not include any taper bearings. An example first main shaft portion assembly 2700 includes a main shaft snap ring 2710 and a thrust washer 2712, which cooperate to retain the bearings 2706 and 2708. The second actuator 912 and third actuator 914 (sliding clutches in the example of FIG. 29) are operated by shift forks from the integrated actuator assembly 1300 to provide for gear selection on the first main shaft portion 804. The example first main shaft portion assembly 2700 further includes a synchronizer flange 2714 utilized, in certain embodiments, to couple the input shaft 204 with the first forward gear 812 and/or first main shaft portion 804.

Referencing FIG. 30, an example countershaft 904, the lower countershaft in certain examples of the transmission 100, is depicted in a detailed view. The example countershaft 904 includes the gears 906 that are rotationally fixed, in certain embodiments, to the countershaft 904, and that mesh with the gears of the first main shaft portion 804 and/or input shaft 204. The example countershaft 904 includes a first engagement feature 2802 at a first end for interfacing with a friction brake. In certain embodiments, the friction brake may be termed an “inertia brake,” “inertial brake,” or the like, although the present disclosure is not limiting to any terminology or type of brake except where context specifically indicates. The friction brake may be any type of braking mechanism known in the art, including at least an electro-magnetic brake and/or a hydraulic brake, and may include any braking actuation understood in the art. Additionally or alternatively, any brake may engage the lower countershaft 904, the upper countershaft 902, or both. Where a different number of countershafts 902, 904 than two countershafts are present, any one or more of the countershafts may be engagable by a brake.

The example countershaft 902 further includes a second engagement feature 2804 configured to interface with a lubrication pump assembly 1600, for example by a driving element 1712 that keys in to a slot or notch on the countershaft 902. Any other engagement mechanism between at least one of the countershafts 902, 904 is contemplated herein, including a friction contact and/or clutch, a belt or chain driving a pump, and/or any other device known in the art.

The example countershaft 902 further includes a roller bearing 1108 positioned at each respective end of the countershaft 902. Referencing FIG. 31, a close-up detail of example roller bearings 1108 is depicted, with the first end roller bearing 1108 depicted in FIG. 31, and the second end roller bearing 1108 depicted in FIG. 32. The example roller bearing details in FIGS. 31 and 32 depict NUP style cylindrical roller bearings (e.g. having an integral collar in inner race, and a loose collar mounted to the inner race), although any type of cylindrical roller bearing may also be utilized, and in certain embodiments a different type of bearing altogether (e.g. a journal bearing, needle bearing, or other type of bearing) may be utilized depending upon the expected loads, required service life, and other aspects of a particular system. The example countershaft 902 further includes a countershaft snap ring 2902 positioned and configured to retain each respective bearing 1108, and one or more countershaft thrust washers 2806 (two, in the example of FIG. 30) positioned on each side of the first end roller bearing 1108. The number and placement of countershaft thrust washers 2806 are non-limiting, with certain embodiments optionally excluding one or more countershaft thrust washers 2806, and/or including countershaft thrust washers 2806 associated with the second end roller bearing 1108 according to the loads observed and/or expected in a given transmission 100.

Referencing FIG. 33, an example countershaft 902 is depicted. In the example of FIG. 33, the countershaft 902 corresponds to an upper countershaft in certain embodiments of the transmission 100, and is substantially similar to the lower countershaft 904 in several aspects. The example countershaft 902 does not include engagement features 2802, 2804 for a friction brake and/or a lubrication pump assembly 1600. In certain embodiments, the upper countershaft 902 may engage one or more of the friction brake and/or lubrication pump assembly 1600, either instead of or in addition to the engagement of the lower countershaft 904.

Referencing FIG. 34, an example planetary gear assembly 820 is depicted in cutaway view. The example planetary gear assembly 820 includes the second main shaft portion 806 coupled to a sun gear 3102, and the sliding clutch 920 that locks up the sun gear 3102, such that the second main shaft portion 806 directly drives the output shaft 926 (e.g. the sliding clutch 920 in forward position in the example of FIG. 34). In the locked up position, the planetary gears 3106 revolve around the sun gear 3102, without any rotation in one example. The sliding clutch 920 selectively couples the sun gear 3102 to planetary gears 3106 (e.g. in a rearward position), which additionally rotate within a ring gear 2202 in addition to revolving, providing gear reduction between the second main shaft portion 806 and the output shaft 926. The example planetary gear assembly 820 includes a synchronization flange 3108 to transfer rotation from the planetary gears 3106 about the drive axis to the output shaft 926. The example planetary gear assembly 820 includes a fixed plate 3112 grounded to transmission 100 enclosures (e.g. a rear housing 108) to fix sun gear 3102 rotation to the planetary gear 3106 rotations, although alternate arrangements for a planetary gear assembly 820 are contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the third ball bearing 1106 and a thrust washer 3110 take thrust loads, where present. The alignment of ball bearings 1102, 1104, 1106, 1109 for example two on the second main shaft portion 806, and one on the input shaft 204, where the input shaft 204 further includes a ball bearing upstream on a prime mover engagement shaft (not shown—e.g. an engine crankshaft), enforces alignment of the driveline through the transmission, allowing the first main shaft portion 804 to float radially while avoiding fulcrum effects and the bearings and consequential additional loads on the transmission gears. The example planetary gear assembly 820 depicts a needle bearing 3118 positioned between the second main shaft portion 806 and the output shaft 926, and a thrust washer 3114 positioned on the second main shaft portion 806 side of the needle bearing 3118. The described type and position of bearings, thrust management devices, and the like, as well as the retaining mechanisms for those devices (e.g. the contours of the inner geometry of the second main shaft portion 806 and the output shaft 926 in the example of FIG. 34) are non-limiting examples, and any arrangement understood in the art is contemplated herein. The example second main shaft portion 806 further includes a lubrication tube 3116, having holes therein to provide lubrication flow to bearings in fluid communication with the second main shaft portion 806, and a close tolerance rather than a seal between the lubrication tube 3116 (and/or lubrication sleeve) and the second main shaft portion 806. The utilization of a close tolerance rather than a seal, in certain embodiments, utilizes resulting leakage as a controlled feature of the lubrication system, reducing losses from both constrained lubrication flow paths and friction from a seal.

Referencing FIG. 35, a detail view of the sliding clutch 920 and portions of the planetary gear assembly 820 are shown in cutaway view. The sliding clutch 920 engages a planetary synchronizer 3202 in a rearward position, coupling the sun gear 3102 to the planetary gears 3106, for example through the fixed plate 3112, which rotate within the ring gear 2202 and provide gear reduction to the output shaft 926. The sliding clutch 920 in the forward position locks up the sun gear 3102 rotation to the output shaft 926, providing for direct drive. In the example of FIG. 35, the second main shaft portion 806 is splined to the first main shaft portion 804, although alternative arrangements are contemplated in the present disclosure.

Referencing FIG. 36, a detail view of an example output synchronization assembly 3300 is depicted. The output synchronization assembly 3300 includes the synchronization flange 3108 coupled to the planetary gear assembly 820 to bodily rotate with the planetary gear assembly 820. As the planetary gears 3106 rotate within the ring gear 2202, gear reduction through the planetary gear assembly 820 is provided. As the planetary gears 3106 are fixed to the ring gear 2202, direct drive through the planetary gear assembly 820 is provided. A snap ring (not shown) may be provided to retain planetary gear bearings 3302, and a needle roller bearing 3304 may be provided between each planetary gear bearing 3302 and the respective planetary gear 3106. In the example output synchronization assembly 3300, a thrust washer 3306 is provided at each axial end of the planetary gear bearings 3302.

Referencing FIG. 37, a portion of an output shaft assembly 110 is depicted in a combined cutaway and exploded view. The example output shaft assembly 110 includes the driveline adapter 928 and a coupling fastener 3402 (e.g. threaded appropriately to maintain position and/or having a retainer plate 3404). The example output shaft assembly 110 further includes the fourth ball bearing 1109 coupled to the output shaft 926, and an O-ring 3406 (e.g. for sealing) and/or a thrust washer 3408 coupled to the fourth ball bearing 1109. The example output shaft assembly 110 further includes a hub seal 3410 and a slinger assembly 3412, for example to provide lubrication to the output shaft assembly and/or the fourth ball bearing 1109.

Referencing FIG. 38, an example of a portion of planetary gear assembly 820 is depicted in proximity to a rear housing 108. The planetary gear assembly 820 depicts the planetary gears 3106 rotating on planetary gear bearings 3302 and positioned between a front disc 3502 and a toothed rear disc 3504. Referencing FIG. 39, a shift rail 3506 (e.g. operationally coupled to one of the additional actuation engagement points 1310, 1312 of the integrated actuator assembly 1300) is operationally coupled to a fourth actuator 3508 (e.g. a shift fork) that operates the sliding clutch 920 to selectively lock up the planetary assembly 820 (providing direct drive) and/or to allow the planetary gears 3106 to rotate within the ring gear 2202 and provide gear reduction across the planetary assembly 820. The example planetary gear assembly 820 depicts a roll pin 3510 coupling the fourth actuator 3508 to the shift rail 3506, although any coupling mechanism understood in the art is contemplated herein.

Referencing FIG. 40, an example transmission 100 is depicted having features consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The example transmission includes the integrated actuator housing 112 positioned at the top of the transmission 100, with the TCM 114 mounted thereupon. The transmission 100 includes a number of lift points 412 positioned thereupon. The transmission 100 includes a single power interface 3702 for actuation, for example for a pneumatic input (e.g. an air input port 302) from a vehicle air supply or other source, which in certain embodiments provides for a single connection to power all shifting and clutch actuators on the transmission 100. The example transmission 100 further includes the output shaft assembly 110, configured for certain driveline arrangements, including a driveline adapter 928 coupled to an output shaft with a retainer plate 3404 and coupling fastener 3402. The example transmission includes a sensor port 304 configured to provide access for a sensor, for example an output shaft speed sensor, and a sensor access 3704 allowing for a sensor to be positioned within the transmission 100, for example within the rear housing 108 in proximity to a rotating component in the rear housing 108 such as the output shaft 926. The example transmission 100 further includes the clutch housing 104, optionally integrated with the integrated actuator housing 112, and also mounted on the top of the transmission 100 in the example of FIG. 40. The transmission 100 further includes a second sensor access 3706, for example providing a location to mount an oil pressure sensor 406. In one example, the oil pressure sensor 406 couples to a lubrication pump assembly 1600, providing ready access to determine oil pressure for the transmission 100. The example transmission 100 further depicts an 8-bolt PTO interface 410 at the bottom of the transmission 100. In certain embodiments, the transmission 100 does not include a cooling system (not shown), or a cooling interface, to a vehicle or application in which the transmission 100 is installed. Alternatively, an example transmission 100 includes a cooling system (not shown), which may be a contained coolings system (e.g. transmission 100 includes a radiator or other heat rejection device, and is not integrated with a cooling system outside the body of the transmission 100), and/or an integrated cooling system utilizing cooling fluid, heat rejection, or other cooling support aspects of a vehicle or application. In certain embodiments, one or more housing elements 102, 104, 108 are made of aluminum, and/or one or more housing elements are made of cast aluminum. The example transmission 100 includes a minimal number of external hoses and/or lines dedicated for transmission operation, for example zero external hoses and/or lines, a single external line provided as a sensor coupler 404, a single external line coupling an oil sensor coupler (not shown) that couples an oil pressure sensor 406 to the TCM 114, and/or combinations of these.

It can be seen that the example transmission 100 depicted in FIG. 40 provides an easily manipulable and integratable transmission 100, which can readily be positioned in a driveline with a minimal number of connections—for example a single power interface, a wiring harness connection at the electrical connectors 402, and may require no coolant or other fluid interfaces. In certain embodiments, the transmission 100 is similarly sized to previously known and available transmissions for similar applications, and in certain embodiments the transmission is smaller or larger than previously known and available transmissions for similar applications. In certain embodiments, the transmission 100 includes housing elements 102, 104, 108 that provide additional space beyond that required to accommodate the internal aspects of the transmission (gears, shafts, actuators, lubrication system, etc.), for example to match the transmission 100 to an expected integration size and/or to utilize one or more housing elements 102, 104, 108 in multiple configurations of the transmission 100 (e.g. to include additional gear layers on the input shaft 204 and/or first main shaft portion 804). The modular construction of the housing elements 102, 104, 108, gears, shafts, lubrication pump assembly 1300, and other aspects of the transmission 100 similarly promote re-usability of certain aspects of the transmission 100 across multiple configurations, while other aspects (e.g. clutch housing 104, main housing 102, and/or rear housing 108) are readily tailored to specific needs of a given application or configuration. The example transmission 100 further provides for ready access to components, such as the actuators and/or clutch bearings, which in previously known and available transmissions require more complex access to install, service, integrate, and/or maintain those components. In certain embodiments the transmission 100 is a high output transmission; additionally or alternatively, the transmission 100 is a high efficiency transmission.

The term high output, as utilized herein, is to be understood broadly. Non-limiting examples of a high output transmission include a transmission capable of operating at more than 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, 2900, and/or more than 3000 foot-pounds of input torque at a specified location (e.g. at a clutch face, input shaft, or other location in the transmission). Additional or alternative non-limiting examples include a transmission capable of providing power throughput of more than 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, and/or more than 5000 horsepower, wherein power throughput includes the power processed by the transmission averaged over a period of time, such as 1 second, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 1 hour, and/or 1 day of operation. Non-limiting examples of a high output transmission include a transmission installed in an application that is a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight exceeding 8500, 14,000, 16,000, 19,500, 26,000, 33,000, up to 80,000, up to 110,000, and/or exceeding 110,000 pounds. Non-limiting examples of a high output transmission include a transmission installed in an application that is a vehicle of at least Class 3, at least Class 4, at least Class 5, at least Class 6, at least Class 7, and/or at least Class 8. One of skill in the art, having the benefit of the disclosures herein, will understand that certain features of example transmissions in the present disclosure may be beneficial in certain demanding applications, while the same or other features of example transmissions may be beneficial in other demanding applications. Accordingly, any described features may be included or excluded from certain embodiments and be contemplated within the present disclosure. Additionally, described examples of a high output transmission are non-limiting, and in certain embodiments a transmission may be a high output transmission for the purposes of one application, vehicle, power rating, and/or torque rating, but not for the purposes of other applications, vehicles, power ratings, and/or torque ratings.

The term “high efficiency,” as used herein, is to be understood broadly. A high efficiency transmission is a transmission having a relatively high output value and/or high benefit level, in response to a given input value and/or cost level. In certain embodiments, the high output value (and/or benefit level) is higher than that ordinarily present in previously known transmissions, the given input level (and/or cost level) is lower than ordinarily present in previously known transmissions, and/or a difference or ratio between the high output value (and/or benefit level) and the given input level (and/or cost level) is greater than that ordinarily present in previously known transmissions. In certain embodiments, the output value and/or the input level are within ranges observed in previously known transmissions, but the transmission is nevertheless a high efficiency transmission—for example because the difference or ratio between the high output value and the given input level is high, and/or because other benefits of certain embodiments of the present disclosure are additionally evident in the example transmission. A “high output value” should be understood to encompass a relatively high level of the benefit—for example a lower weight transmission has a higher output value where the weight is considered as the output side of efficiency. A “low input value” should be understood to encompass a relatively low cost or input amount—for example a lower weight transmission has a lower cost value where the weight is considered as the input side of the efficiency. Example and non-limiting output values include a transmission torque level (input, output, or overall gear ratio), a number of available gear ratios, a noise reduction amount, a power loss description, a reliability, durability and/or robustness value, ease of maintenance, quality of service, ease of integration, and/or ease of installation, a responsiveness value (e.g. clutch engagement and/or shifting), a consistency value (e.g. repeatability of operations, consistent driver feel, high degree of matching to a previously known configuration), transmission induced down time values, and/or a service life value. Example and non-limiting input values include a transmission cost, transmission weight, transmission noise level, engineering design time, manufacturing ease and/or cost, installation and/or integration time (e.g. time for the installation, and/or engineering work to prepare the installation plan and/or configure other parts of a vehicle or application to accommodate the transmission), a total cost of ownership value, scheduled maintenance values, average maintenance and/or repair values (e.g. time and/or cost), transmission induced down time values, and/or application constraints (e.g. torque or power limits—absolute, time averaged, and/or in certain gear configurations). The described examples of a high efficiency transmission are non-limiting examples, and any high efficiency descriptions known to one of skill in the art, having the benefit of the disclosures herein, are contemplated within the present disclosure. One of skill in the art, having the benefit of the disclosures herein and information ordinarily known about a contemplated application or installation, such as the functions and priorities related to performance, cost, manufacturing, integration, and total cost of ownership for the application or installation, can readily configure a high efficiency transmission.

It can be further seen that the example transmission 100 provides, in certain embodiments, a reduction in overall bearing and gear loads throughout the transmission 100, for example through the utilization of high speed countershafts, helical gearing to improve and/or optimize sliding speeds and gear loading, and/or gear tooth shaping to configure gear tooth contact area, structural integrity, and control of sliding speed profiles and deflection of gear teeth. In certain embodiments, the use of high speed countershafts allows smaller and/or lighter components, including at least rotating components (e.g. shafts and gears), bearings, and lubrication systems. In certain embodiments, the utilization of helical gears and/or shaped gear teeth allows for reduction in sliding losses (e.g. increased power transfer efficiency and reduction in heat generated) while also allowing a transmission 100 to meet noise constraints. In certain embodiments, the configuration to allow for noise control allows for certain aspects of the transmission 100 to be configured for other desirable purposes that otherwise would increase the noise emissions from the transmission 100, such as the use of aluminum housings, configuring for ease of access to shift and/or clutch actuators, the use of a linear clutch actuator, and/or positioning of access to major transmission features, such as actuators, at the top of the transmission which may put them in proximity to a passenger compartment or other noise sensitive area in an application or vehicle. In certain embodiments, the use of helical gearing allows a degree of freedom on thrust (axial) loads, directing thrust loads to selected positions in the transmission 100 such as a support bearing and/or a bearing positioned between shafts having low speed differentials, and/or away from housing enclosures or bearings.

In certain embodiments, the utilization of high speed countershafts additionally or alternatively reduces speed differences between shafts, at least at selected operating conditions, and supports the management of thrust loads in the transmission 100. In certain embodiments, helical gears on a planetary gear assembly provides for a reduced length of countershafts (e.g. countershafts do not need to extend to the output shaft), a reduction in a number of countershafts (e.g. additional countershafts for power transfer between a main shaft and the output shaft are not required). Additionally or alternatively, helical gears on a planetary gear assembly are load balanced, in certain embodiments, to remove gear loading from enclosures and/or bearings coupled to enclosures. In certain embodiments, features of the transmission 100, including but not limited to thrust load management features, provide for load management with the use of efficient bearings, for example, with a reduced number of or elimination of tapered bearings in the transmission 100. In certain embodiments, features of the transmission 100 include a high efficiency lubrication system, for example utilization of a smaller lubrication pump (e.g. short lubrication runs within the transmission 100, reduction or elimination of spinning shaft slip rings in the transmission 100, and/or higher pump speed powered by a high speed countershaft), the use of a dry sump lubrication system, and/or the use of a centrally located lubrication pump assembly. In certain embodiments, the transmission 100 provides for lower power transfer losses than previously known transmissions, and/or provides for similar or improved power losses in an overdrive transmission relative to previously known transmission systems using direct drive, allowing for other aspects of a system or application to operate at lower speeds upstream of the transmission (e.g. prime mover speed) and/or higher speeds downstream of the transmission (e.g. a load component such as a driveline, rear axle, wheels, and/or pump shaft) as desired to meet operational goals of those aspects.

In certain embodiments, the transmission 100 utilizes a clutch and shifts gears utilizing actuators that move gear shifting elements or actuators (e.g utilizing shift forks and sliding clutches, with synchronizer elements). An example and non-limiting application for embodiments of the transmission is an automated transmission, and/or a manual automated transmission. Certain aspects and features of the present disclosure are applicable to automatic transmissions, manual transmissions, or other transmission configurations. Certain features, groups of features, and sub-groups of features, may have applicability to any transmission type, and/or may have specific value to certain transmission types, as will be understood to one of skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure.

Referencing FIG. 41, an example clutch operation assembly 3800 is depicted illustrating certain aspects of a clutch assembly and operational portions of the transmission 100 interacting with the clutch assembly. The example clutch operation assembly 3800 provides a clutch 106 that is responsive to a linear clutch actuator 1002, and that adjusts a position of the clutch 106 such that, as the clutch face wears 306, the engagement point of the linear clutch actuator 1002 remains constant for a selectable amount of wear on the clutch face 306. The inclusion of a clutch operation assembly 3800 responsive to a linear clutch actuator 1002, and/or that provides for a constant engagement point for a linear or concentric clutch actuator, are optional configurations that are included in certain embodiments of the transmission 100, and may not be included in other embodiments of the transmission 100. Any clutch operation assembly 3800 known in the art is contemplated herein, including alternate arrangements to provide for engagement with a linear clutch actuator 1002, and/or alternate arrangements to provide for maintenance of an engagement point for a clutch actuator over a selectable amount of wear on the clutch face 306. In certain embodiments, the liner actuator 1002 is additionally or alternatively self-adjusting, allowing for the actuating volume for the actuator to remain consistent as the clutch, clutch engagement yoke 808, linear actuator 1002, and/or other aspects of the system wear and/or change over the life cycle of the transmission 100. In certain embodiments, the actuating volume is consistently maintained as a near-zero actuating volume. In certain embodiments, the consistency of the actuating volume and/or a maintained near-zero actuating volume provides for improved response time and improved control accuracy throughout the life cycle of the transmission 100, and provides for qualitative improvements in clutch operation such as capabilities to utilize the clutch rapidly during shifts (e.g., to mitigate tooth butt events and/or reduce backlash impact on gear meshes).

The example clutch operation assembly 3800 includes the input shaft 204 and the release bearing 1118, and the clutch face 306 that engages the prime mover. The example clutch operation assembly 3800 further includes a diaphragm spring 3802 that biases the clutch face 306 to an engaged position (toward the prime mover and away from the transmission 100), and upon actuation by the clutch engagement yoke 808 (e.g. the clutch engagement yoke 808 pushed forward by the clutch actuator 1002) withdraws the clutch face 306 from the engaged position. Any other actuation mechanism for a clutch is contemplated herein. The clutch operation assembly 3800 further includes a bearing housing 3804 that engages and retains the release bearing 1118, and further includes a landing face on the release bearing 1118 that engages the clutch engagement yoke 808.

Referencing FIG. 42, a portion of the clutch operation assembly 3800 is depicted in exploded view. The clutch operation assembly 3800 includes the clutch 106, having torsion springs 4202 and a pre-damper assembly 4006 coupled thereto. The clutch operation assembly 3800 includes a pressure plate assembly 4004 and the diaphragm spring assembly bracket 4002. Referencing FIG. 43, a detail view of the example pressure plate assembly 4004 is depicted in a perspective view (FIG. 43) and a side cutaway view (FIG. 44). The example pressure plate assembly 4004 includes a cam ring 4504 and control fingers 4506 coupled to a pressure plate 4508. The cam ring 4504 rotates and cooperates with the control fingers 4506 to position the clutch 106 such that, as the clutch face wears 306, the release bearing 1118 maintains a same position relative to the clutch engagement yoke 808. Accordingly, even as the clutch face 306 wears, the clutch actuator 1002 returns to the same position within the clutch actuator housing 104. After a selected amount of wear, the control fingers 4506 prevent further adjustment, and the clutch actuator 1002 will no longer return all the way to the starting point. Accordingly, a high degree of responsiveness and repeatability for clutch engagement is provided in the example transmission 100, while allowing for diagnostics and/or detection of clutch face 306 wear, where the clutch is still operable but the clutch actuator 1002 return position responds to clutch face 306 wear. The example pressure plate assembly 4004 includes a torsion spring (not shown) coupled to the cam ring 4504 to urge rotation of the cam ring 4504 as the clutch face 306 wears, and a cam baffle 4510 having teeth thereon to prevent counter-rotation of the cam ring 4504.

Various example embodiments of the present disclosure are described following. Any examples are non-limiting, and may be divided or combined, in whole or part. The example embodiments may include any aspects of embodiments throughout the present disclosure.

Certain embodiments of a high efficiency transmission are described following. The description of certain characteristics as promoting transmission efficiency are provided as illustrative examples. Efficiency promoting characteristics may be included in a particular embodiment, while other characteristics may not be present. Efficiency promoting characteristics may be combined, used in part where applicable, and sub-groupings of any one or more of the described efficiency characteristics may be included in certain embodiments. The description of any feature or characteristic as an efficiency-promoting feature is not limiting to any other feature of the present disclosure also promoting efficiency, and in certain embodiments it will be understood that a feature may promote efficiency in certain contexts and/or applications, and decrease efficiency in other contexts and/or applications.

An example transmission 100 includes one or more housing elements 102, 104, 108 that are made at least partially of aluminum. In certain embodiments, housing elements 102, 104, 108 may be cast aluminum. The use of aluminum introduces numerous challenges to the performance of a transmission 100, and in certain embodiments introduces more challenges where the transmission 100 is a high output transmission. For example, and without limitation, aluminum is typically not as strong as steel for a given volume of material, is softer than steel, and has different stress characteristics making it less robust to stress in certain applications. Changes to the stress capability of the housing material have consequences throughout the transmission—for example bolt bosses generally must be deeper for equivalent robustness, and housing enclosures have to be thicker and/or have stress management features for equivalent stresses experienced at the housing. Aluminum also does not insulate noise as well as offset materials, such as steel.

The example transmission 100 includes a power thrust management arrangement that neutralizes, cancels, reduces, and/or redirects the primary power thrust loads experienced within the transmission. In certain embodiments, the power thrust management arrangement redirects thrust loads away from housings and/or transmission enclosures, allowing for reduced strength of the housings with sufficient durability and robustness for a high output transmission. An example power thrust management arrangement includes helical gears in the power transfer line throughout the transmission 100—for example the countershaft 902, 904 gear meshes—where the helical gear angles are selected to neutralize, reduce, and/or redirect primary power thrust loads experienced within the transmission 100. The adjustments of thrust loads may be, in certain embodiments, improved or optimized for certain operating conditions—for example gear ratios likely to be engaged a higher load conditions, gear ratios likely to be involved in higher speed differential operations across thrust bearings, and the like. A gear engagement on the input shaft 204 side of the transmission 100 with the countershaft 902, 904 has one or more corresponding gear engagements on the first main shaft portion 804 side of the transmission 100 (depending upon the available gear ratios and gear shifting plan), and the thrust management aspects of the helical gears include selected helix angles for the various gear meshes to adjust the thrust profile and thrust duty cycle of the transmission 100. Certain considerations in determining the helical gear geometries include, without limitation: the load duty cycle for the application, installation, or vehicle (loads and/or speeds, as well as operating time), the gear ratios at each mesh and the duty cycle of opposing gear mesh engagement scenarios, and noise and efficiency characteristics of the helical gear ratio selections. One of skill in the art, having the benefit of the present disclosure and information ordinarily available about a contemplated system, can readily determine helical gear ratios to perform desired power thrust management operations in a transmission 100. In certain embodiments, thrust loads are redirected to a thrust management device, such as a thrust bearing, which is positioned between rotating shafts having a lowest speed differential (e.g. the input shaft 204 to first main shaft portion 804). In certain embodiments, the transmission 100 does not include tapered bearings.

An example transmission 100 includes a low loss lubrication system. Losses, in the present instance, refer to overall power consumption from the lubrication system, regardless of the source of the power consumption, and including at least pumping work performed by the lubrication system, viscous losses of moving parts in the transmission 100, and/or parasitic losses in the lubrication system. The example low loss lubrication system includes a dry sump, wherein the rotating portions of the transmission 100 (e.g. gears, shafts, and countershafts) are not positioned, completely and/or partially, within lubricating fluid in the sump. An example lubrication pump assembly 1600, drawing lubrication fluid for the pump from the rear housing 108, provides a non-limiting example of a lubrication system having a dry sump. An example low loss lubrication system further includes a centralized lubrication pump, such that lubrication paths within the transmission 100 have a shortened length, and/or a reduced or optimized overall length of the lubrication channels. An example lubrication pump assembly 1600, integrated within the transmission 100 and coupled to a countershaft or other rotating element of the transmission 100, provides a non-limiting example of a centralized lubrication system. In certain embodiments, utilization of centralized lubrication tubes 1802 and/or 1804 provide for reduced-length runs of lubrication channels. Additionally or alternatively, an example transmission 100 includes a lubrication tube positioned inside the first main shaft portion and/or second main shaft portion, having holes therein to provide a portion of the lubrication paths to one or more bearings, and additionally or alternatively does not include seals on the lubrication tube. In certain further embodiments, a low loss lubrication system includes a lubrication pump driven by a high speed countershaft, where the high speed of the countershaft provides for a higher lubrication pump speed, thereby allowing for a smaller lubrication pump to perform lubrication pumping operations, reducing both pumping losses and/or weight of the lubrication pump and/or associated lubrication pump assembly 1600.

An example transmission 100 includes one or more high speed countershafts 902, 904. The term “high speed” with reference to countershafts, as utilized herein, is to be understood broadly. In certain embodiments, a high speed countershaft rotates at a similar speed to the input shaft 204 and/or the first main shaft portion 804, for example at the same speed, within +/−5%, +/−10%, +/−15%, +/−20%, +/−25%, and/or within +/−50% of the speed of the input shaft 204 and/or first main shaft portion 804. In certain embodiments, a high speed countershaft has a higher relative speed than a countershaft in an offset transmission for a similar application, where similarity of application may be determined from such considerations as power rating, torque rating, torque multiplication capability, and/or final load output and/or duty cycle. A speed that is a high relative speed to an offset transmission includes, without limitation, a speed that is at least 10% higher, 20% higher, 25% higher, 50% higher, 100% higher, up to 200% higher, and greater than 200% higher. In certain embodiments, utilization of high speed countershafts 902, 904, allows for smaller devices operating in response to the rotational speed of the countershafts—for example a lubrication pump driven by a countershaft 902, 904. In certain embodiments, a PTO device driven by one of the countershafts can utilize the higher countershaft speed for improved performance. In certain embodiments, utilization of high speed countershafts 902, 904 allows for reductions of gear and bearing components, as the countershaft operates at a speed closer to the input shaft and/or first main shaft portion speed than in a previously known transmission, providing for lower loads on meshing gears and bearings, and/or providing for more rapid gear shifts with lower losses (less time to shift, and/or less braking to bring the countershaft speed closer to the engaging speed, for example on an upshift). In certain embodiments, lower loads on the countershafts, due to the high speed configuration and/or a twin configuration sharing loads, allows for the countershaft to be a lower size and/or weight. In certain embodiments, the twin countershafts provide for noise reduction, for example from reduced size of engaging components and/or lower engagement forces. Additionally or alternatively, lower rotational inertia from the countershafts has a lower effect on clutch speed during shifts—for example through transfer of countershaft inertia to the clutch before clutch re-engagement, allowing for a faster and lower loss (e.g. lower braking applied to slow the system back down) shifting event.

In certain embodiments, a gear ratio at the front of the transmission 100 is lower relative to a gear ratio at the rear of the transmission 100. In certain embodiments, providing greater torque amplification at the rear of the transmission (e.g. from the countershaft(s) to the second main input shaft portion 804) than at the front of the transmission 100 (e.g. from the input shaft 204 to the countershaft(s)) provides for more efficient (e.g. lower losses) power transfer than more evenly stepping up torque amplification. For example, a total ratio of 4:1 provided as a first step of 1:1 and a second step of 4:1 for most example transmissions 100 provides for a lower loss power transfer than a first step of 2:1 and a second step of 2:1, while providing the same overall torque amplification. In certain embodiments, a rear:front amplification ratio is greater than 1.5:1, greater than 2:1, greater than 2.5;1, greater than 3:1, greater than 3.5:1, greater than 4:1, greater than 4.5:1, and/or greater than 5:1. For example, where an overall torque amplification ratio of 5:1 is desired, an example transmission includes a front transfer of 1.25:1 and a rear transfer of 4:1. The described ratios and embodiments are non-limiting examples. One of skill in the art, having the benefit of the disclosures herein, will readily appreciate that, in certain embodiments, high speed countershafts facilitate lower front torque amplification ratios—for example at a torque amplification ratio near unity (1), gear teeth count between the countershaft and the input shaft are also near unity, and accordingly gear sizes can be kept low if the countershaft turns at a high rate of speed. In certain embodiments, a high speed countershaft facilitates selection of gear sizes to meet other constraints such as providing an interface to a PTO device, providing for gear geometries within a transmission 100 to facilitate manufacture and assembly within a cast housing, and/or to keep gear outer diameters in a normal range. Gear sizes provided within a normal range—i.e. not constrained to be large on either the input shaft 204 and/or the countershaft 902, 904 by torque amplification requirements—allow for controlling torsional forces on the shafts and gear fixing mechanisms (e.g. welds and/or synchronizer devices) low and/or controlling a final geometric footprint of the housing (e.g. the main housing 102) to provide for a compact and/or easily integrated transmission 100.

In certain embodiments, a twin countershaft arrangement provides for balanced forces on the input shaft 204 and/or first main shaft portion 804, and lower cost bearings at one or more gear locations on the input shaft 204 and/or first main shaft portion 804 are provided—for example a journal bearing, bushing, a washer, and/or a race bearing. In certain embodiments, a needle bearing is provided at one or more gear locations on the input shaft 204 and/or the main shaft portion 804, for example on a gear expected to take a radial load, including, for example, a gear on the input shaft 204 close to the power intake for the transmission 100, and/or a gear coupled to the countershaft for powering a PTO device.

In certain embodiments, helical gearing on the countershafts 902, 904 and meshing gears thereto provides for high efficiency operation for the transmission 100. For example, helical gearing provides for thrust management control of the power transfer in the transmission, allowing for lower weight and cost components, such as bearings. Additionally or alternatively, thrust management control of the gears allows for reduced housing weight and/or strength for a given power or torque throughput. Additionally or alternatively, helical gear engagement allows for reduced noise generation, allowing for greater engagement force between gears for a given noise level. Additionally or alternatively, helical gears are easier to press and time relative to, for example, spur gears—allowing for a reduced manufacturing cost, improved manufacturability, and/or more reliable gear mesh. Additionally or alternatively, helical gears provide a greater contact surface for gear teeth, allowing for lower contact pressure for a given contact force, and/or lower face width for the gear teeth while providing gear teeth that are readily able to bear contact loads.

In certain embodiments, a transmission 100 is provided without tapered bearings in the drive line. In certain embodiments, a transmission 100 has a reduced number of tapered bearings in the drive line relative to an offset transmission in a similar application. Tapered bearings are typically utilized to control both thrust loads and radial loads. In certain embodiments, a transmission 100 includes features to control thrust loads, such that tapered bearings are not present. Taper rollers on a bearing require shimming and bearing clearance settings. In certain embodiments, tapered bearings reduce power transfer efficiency and generate additional heat in the transmission. In certain embodiments, main bearings in an example transmission 100 are positioned (e.g. pressed) in the housing elements 102, 104, 108, and shafts in the driveline are passed therethrough. An example transmission 100 is assembled positioned vertically, with shafts passed through the pressed bearings, and where no bearing clearances and/or shims need to be made, the main housing 102 is coupled to the clutch housing 104 during vertical assembly, and the rear housing 108 is coupled to the main housing 102 to complete the housing portion of the vertical assembly. In certain embodiments, an example transmission 100 may be constructed horizontally or in another arrangement, and/or vertically with the rear housing 108 down.

In certain embodiments, power transfer gears in the transmission 100 (e.g. at the countershaft meshes) gear teeth have a reduced height and/or have a flattened geometry at the top (e.g. reference FIG. 24—teeth have a flattened top profile). The use of shortened teeth provides for lower sliding velocities on gear teeth (e.g. increased power transfer efficiency) while allowing the teeth to engage in a high power transfer efficiency operation. The shortened gear teeth, where present, additionally experience lower deflection than occurs at the top of previously used gear teeth geometries, providing greater control of one noise source and improved service life of the gear teeth. In certain embodiments, the use of helical gears with a flattened tooth geometry allows for further noise control of flattened gear teeth and/or high power transfer loads. In certain embodiments, a low tolerance and/or high quality manufacturing operation for the gear teeth, such as the use of a wormwheel to machine gear teeth, provides for a realized geometry of the gear teeth matching a design sufficiently to meet noise and power transfer efficiency targets. In certain embodiments, a worm wheel is utilized having a roughing and finishing grit applied in one pass, allowing gear tooth construction to be completed in a single pass of the wormwheel and leave a selected finish on the gear tooth.

In certain embodiments, the transmission 100 includes thrust loads cancelled across a ball bearing, to control thrust loads such that no bearings pressed into a housing enclosure take a thrust load, to control thrust loads such that one or more housing elements do not experience thrust loads, to control thrust loads such that a bearing positioned between low speed differential shafts of the transmission (e.g. between an input shaft 204 and a first main shaft portion 804) take the thrust loads, and/or such that thrust loads are cancelled and/or reduced by helical gears in power transfer gear meshes. In certain embodiments, bearings pressed into a housing element, and/or one or more housing elements directly, are exposed only to radial loads from power transfer in the transmission 100.

In certain embodiments, a transmission 100 includes a PTO interface 410 configured to allow engagement of a PTO device to one of the countershafts from a radial position, for example at a bottom of the transmission 100. An example transmission 100 includes gear configurations such that a radially extending gear from one of the countershafts 902, 904 is positioned for access to the extending gear such that a gear to power a PTO device can be engaged to the extending gear. Additionally or alternatively, a corresponding gear on one of the input shaft 204 and/or first main shaft portion 804 includes a needle bearing that accepts radial loads from the PTO engagement. In certain embodiments, the countershafts 902, 904 do not include a PTO engagement gear (e.g. at the rear of the countershaft), and the transmission 100 is configured such that driveline intent gears can be utilized directly for PTO engagement. Accordingly, the size and weight of the countershafts is reduced relative to embodiments having a dedicated PTO gear provided on one or more countershafts. In certain embodiments, a second PTO access (not shown) is provided in the rear housing, such that a PTO device can alternatively or additionally engage at the rear of the transmission. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, a transmission 100 is configurable for multiple PTO engagement options (e.g. selectable at time of construction or ordering of a transmission), including a 8-bolt PTO access, and/or is constructed to allow multiple PTO engagement options after construction (e.g. both PTO access options provided, such as with a plug on the rear over the rear PTO access, and an installer/integrator can utilize either or both PTO access options).

An example transmission 100 includes only a single actuator connection to power actuators in the transmission, for example an air input port 302 provided on the integrated actuator housing 112. A reduction in the number of connections reduces integration and design effort, reduces leak paths in the installation, and reduces the number of parts to be integrated into, and/or fail in the installed system. In certain embodiments, no external plumbing (e.g. lubrication, coolant, and/or other fluid lines) is present on the transmission 100. In certain embodiments, the transmission 100 is a coolerless design, providing less systems to fail, making the transmission 100 more robust to a cooling system failure of the application or vehicle, reducing installation connections and integration design requirements, reducing leak paths and/or failure modes in the transmission and installed application or vehicle, and reducing the size and weight footprint of the transmission 100. It will be recognized that certain aspects of example transmissions 100 throughout the present disclosure support a coolerless transmission design, including at least transmission power transfer efficiency improvements (e.g. generating less heat within the transmission to be dissipated) and/or aluminum components (e.g. aluminum and common aluminum alloys are better thermal conductors than most steel components). In certain embodiments, heat fins can be included on housing elements 102, 104, 108 in addition to those depicted in the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, where additional heat rejection is desirable for a particular application. In certain embodiments, an example transmission 100 includes a cooler (not shown).

In certain embodiments, a transmission 100 includes an organic clutch face 306. An organic clutch face provides for consistent and repeatable torque engagement, but can be susceptible to damage from overheating. It will be recognized that certain aspects of example transmissions 100 throughout the present disclosure support utilization of an organic clutch face 306. For example, the linear clutch actuator 1002, and clutch adjustment for clutch face wear providing highly controllable and repeatable clutch engagement, allow for close control of the clutch engagement and maintenance of clutch life. Additionally or alternatively, components of the transmission 100 providing for fast and smooth shift engagements reduce the likelihood of clutch utilization to clean up shift events—for example the utilization of high speed countershafts, lower rotational inertia countershafts, helical gears, efficient bearings (e g management of shaft speed transients relative to tapered bearing embodiments), and/or compact, short-run actuations for gear switching with an integrated actuator assembly. In certain embodiments, elements of the transmission 100 for fast and smooth shift engagements improve repeatability of shift events, resulting in a more consistent driver feel for a vehicle having an example transmission 100, and additionally or alternatively the use of an organic clutch face 306 enhances the ability to achieve repeatable shift events that provide a consistent driver feel.

In certain embodiments, a transmission 100 is configurable for a number of gear ratios, such as an 18-speed configuration. An example 18-speed configuration adds another gear engaging the input shaft 204 with a corresponding gear on the countershaft(s). The compact length of the example transmissions 100 described herein, combined with the modular configuration of housing elements 102, 104, 108 allow for the ready addition of gears to any of the shafts, and accommodation of additional gears within a single housing configuration, and/or isolated changes to one or more housing elements, while other housing elements accommodate multiple gear configurations. An example 18-speed configuration is a 3×3×2 configuration (e.g. 3 gear ratios available at the input shaft 204, 3 forward gear ratios on the first main shaft portion 804, and 2 gear ratios available at the second main shaft portion 806). Additionally or alternatively, other arrangements to achieve 18 gears, or other gear configurations having more or less than 12 or 18 gears are contemplated herein.

In certain embodiments, certain features of an example transmission 100 enable servicing certain aspects of the transmission 100 in a manner that reduces cost and service time relative to previously known transmissions, as well as enabling servicing of certain aspects of the transmission 100 without performing certain operations that require expensive equipment and/or introduce additional risk (e.g. “dropping the transmission,” and/or disassembling main portions of the transmission 100).

An example service event 5600 (reference FIG. 45) includes an operation 5602 to access an integrated actuator assembly, by directly accessing the integrated actuator assembly from an external location to the transmission. In certain embodiments, the integrated actuator assembly is positioned at the top of the main housing 102, and is accessed in single unit having all shift and clutch actuators positioned therein. In certain embodiments, one or more actuators may be positioned outside of the integrated actuator assembly, and a number of actuators may be positioned within or coupled to the integrated actuator assembly. Direct access to an integrated actuator assembly provides, in certain embodiments, the ability to install, service, and/or maintain actuators without dropping the transmission, disassembling main elements of the transmission (including at least de-coupling one or more housings, the clutch, any bearings, any gears, and/or one or more shafts). Additionally or alternatively, the example service event 5600 includes an operation 5604 to decouple only a single actuator power input, although in certain embodiments more than one actuator power input may be present and accessed. The example service event 5600 includes an operation 5606 to service the integrated actuator assembly, such as but not limited to fixing, replacing, adjusting, and/or removing the integrated actuator assembly. The term “service event,” as utilized herein, should be understood to include at least servicing, maintaining, integrating, installing, diagnosing, and/or accessing a part to provide access to other parts in the transmission 100 or system (e.g. vehicle or application) in which the transmission is installed.

An example service event 5900 (reference FIG. 46) includes an operation 5902 to access a journal bearing 2602 positioned at an engagement end of the input shaft 204. The engagement end of the input shaft 204 engages the prime mover, for example at a ball bearing in the prime mover (not shown), and the engagement end of the input shaft 204 can experience wear. The inclusion of a journal bearing 2602, in certain embodiments, provides for ready access to replace this wear part without removal and/or replacement of the input shaft 204. The example service event 5900 further includes an operation 5904 to remove the journal bearing 2602, and an operation 5906 to replace the journal bearing 2602 (for example, after fixing the journal bearing 2602 and/or replacing it with a different part). The example service event 5900 describes a journal bearing 2602 positioned on the input shaft 204, however the journal bearing 2602 may be any type of wear protection device, including any type of bearing, bushing, and/or sleeve.

Referencing FIG. 47, a perspective view of an example clutch housing 104 consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted. The clutch housing 104 includes an interface portion 4702 that allows for coupling to a prime mover. The modularity of the clutch housing 104 allows for ready configuration and integration for specific changes, for example providing an extended or split input shaft to add a gear layer to the input shaft without significantly altering the footprint of the transmission 100, or requiring redesign of other aspects of the transmission 100, while maintaining consistent interfaces to the prime mover.

Referencing FIG. 48, another perspective view of an example clutch housing 104 consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted. The clutch housing 104 includes a second interface portion 4808 that allows for coupling to a main housing 102. The modularity of the clutch housing 104 allows for ready configuration and integration for specific changes, for example providing an extended or split input shaft to add a gear layer to the input shaft without significantly altering the footprint of the transmission 100, or requiring redesign of other aspects of the transmission 100, while maintaining consistent interfaces to the main housing 102. The example clutch housing 104 further includes holes 4802 for countershafts in a bulkhead (or enclosure) formed on the main housing 102 side of the clutch housing 104, and a hole 4804 for passage of the input shaft therethrough. The integral bulkhead holes 4802, 4804 provide for mounting of bearings and shafts, and for ready assembly of the transmission 100.

Referencing FIG. 49, a perspective view of an example rear housing 108 consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted. The rear housing 108 includes an interface portion 4902 that allows for coupling to a main housing 102. The modularity of the rear housing 108 allows for ready configuration and integration for specific changes, for example providing a rear PTO interface 5102 (see the disclosure referencing FIG. 51) or other alterations to the rear housing 108, without significantly altering the footprint of the transmission 100, or requiring redesign of other aspects of the transmission 100. Referencing FIG. 50, another perspective view of the rear housing 108 is depicted. The rear housing 108 includes a driveline interface 5002, for example to couple with a driveshaft or other downstream component. Referencing FIG. 51, a perspective view of another example rear housing 108 is depicted, providing a rear PTO interface 5102.

Referencing FIG. 52, a perspective view of an example lubrication pump assembly 1600 consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted. The driving element 1712, coupling the lubrication pump 1704 to one of the countershafts, is visible in the perspective view of FIG. 52. The modularity of the lubrication pump assembly 1600 allows for ready configuration and integration for specific changes, for example providing an alternate pump sizing or gear ratio, while maintaining consistent interfaces to the rest of the transmission 100. Referencing FIG. 53, another perspective view of an example lubrication pump assembly 1600 is depicted. An oil pickup screen 1718 and screen retainer 1720 is visible in the view of FIG. 53.

Referencing FIG. 54, a perspective view of an example main housing 102 consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted. The example of FIG. 54 has a connector for a transmission control module, but the transmission control module is not installed. The main housing 102 includes interfaces 5402, 5404 (see the portion of the disclosure referencing FIG. 56) providing consistent interfaces to the rear housing 108 and clutch housing 104. A clutch actuator housing 202, which may be coupled to or integral with an integrated actuator housing 112 is visible in the view of FIG. 54. Referencing FIG. 55, a transmission control module 114 (TCM), and a TCM retainer 5502 (e.g., a TCM cover 1402) are depicted as installed on a transmission 100. Referencing FIG. 56, an 8-bolt PTO interface 410 is depicted, which may be optionally not present or capped, without affecting the footprint or interfaces of the main housing 102. Referencing FIG. 57, a bottom view of an example main housing 102 is depicted, providing a clear view of an example 8-bolt PTO interface 410. Referencing FIG. 58, a perspective view of an example main housing 102 is depicted, including an actuator interface 5802 whereupon actuators for shifting, clutch control, and/or a friction brake can be installed. Accordingly, the main housing 102 can accommodate various actuation assemblies, including an integrated actuation assembly, without changing the footprint or interfaces of the main housing 102 with the rest of the transmission 100.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear and at least one set of drive gears having teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency. In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear and an integrated mechanical assembly with a common air supply for both shift actuation and clutch actuation for the transmission.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear and a having at least one helical gear set to reduce noise.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear, where the gears have teeth that are configured to engage with a sliding velocity of engagement that provides high efficiency.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear and having enclosure bearings and gear sets configured to reduce noise from the transmission.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear and having a mechanically and electrically integrated assembly configured to be mounted on the transmission, wherein the assembly provides gear shift actuation and clutch actuation.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear and having wormwheel-ground gear teeth having a tooth profile that is designed to provide efficient interaction of the gears.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear and having three gear systems having three, three and two modes of engagement respectively for providing an 18 speed transmission.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear and having a three-by-three-by-two gear set architecture.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear; low contact ratio gears; bearings to reduce the impact of thrust loads on efficiency; and a low loss lubrication system.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear and having an integrated assembly that includes a linear clutch actuator, at least one position sensor, and valve banks for gear shift and clutch actuation.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear and having a pneumatic, linear clutch actuation system that is configured to hold substantially no volume of unused air.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, using a plurality of high speed countershafts that are configured to be mechanically coupled to the main drive shaft by a plurality of gears when the transmission is in gear and having at least one power take-off (PTO) interface that has an aluminum enclosure and a gear set that is optimized for a specified use of the PTO.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission may have various enclosures, such as for separating various gear boxes, such as in a 3×2×2 gear box architecture. The enclosures may have bearings, and in embodiments, the enclosure bearings may be configured to be isolated from the thrust loads of the transmission. For example, in embodiments an automatic truck transmission architecture is provided where one or more of the enclosure bearings take radial separating loads, and the thrust reaction loads are substantially deployed on other bearings (not the enclosure bearings).

In embodiments, an automatic truck transmission architecture is provided wherein enclosure bearings take radial separating loads, wherein thrust reaction loads are deployed on other bearings and a common air supply that is used for gear shift actuation and for clutch actuation for the transmission.

In embodiments, an automatic truck transmission architecture is provided wherein enclosure bearings take radial separating loads, wherein thrust reaction loads are deployed on other bearings and wherein the automated truck transmission has at least one set of drive gears having teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency.

In embodiments, an automatic truck transmission architecture is provided wherein enclosure bearings take radial separating loads, wherein thrust reaction loads are deployed on other bearings and wherein a helical gear set is provided to reduce noise.

In embodiments, an automatic truck transmission architecture is provided wherein enclosure bearings take radial separating loads, wherein thrust reaction loads are deployed on other bearings and wherein the transmission has wormwheel-ground gear teeth having a tooth profile that is designed to provide efficient interaction of the gears.

In embodiments, an automatic truck transmission architecture is provided wherein enclosure bearings take radial separating loads, wherein thrust reaction loads are deployed on other bearings and wherein the transmission has three gear systems having three, three and two modes of engagement respectively for providing an 18 speed transmission.

In embodiments, an automatic truck transmission architecture is provided wherein enclosure bearings take radial separating loads, wherein thrust reaction loads are deployed on other bearings and wherein the transmission has a three-by-three-by-two gear set architecture.

In embodiments, an automatic truck transmission architecture is provided having enclosure bearings that take radial separating loads, having thrust reaction loads that are deployed on other bearings and having a pneumatic, linear clutch actuation system that is configured to hold substantially no volume of unused air.

In embodiments, an automatic truck transmission architecture is provided having enclosure bearings that take radial separating loads, having thrust reaction loads that are deployed on other bearings and having a plurality of power take-off (PTO) interfaces.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, having at least one set of drive gears that has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency and having an integrated mechanical assembly with a common air supply for both shift actuation and clutch actuation for the transmission.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency and wherein a helical gear set is provided to reduce noise.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops configured to engage with a sliding velocity of engagement that provides high efficiency.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency and wherein enclosure bearings and gear sets are configured to reduce noise from the transmission.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency and wherein the transmission has a mechanically and electrically integrated assembly configured to be mounted on the transmission, wherein the assembly provides gear shift actuation and clutch actuation.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency and wormwheel-ground gear teeth having a tooth profile that is designed to provide efficient interaction of the gears.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency and wherein the transmission has three gear systems having three, three and two modes of engagement respectively for providing an 18 speed transmission.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency of at least one gear set in a three-by-three-by-two gear set architecture.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency and wherein the transmission has low contact ratio gears, bearings to reduce the impact of thrust loads on efficiency and a low loss lubrication system.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency and wherein the transmission has a linear clutch actuator that is integrated with the shift actuation system for the transmission.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency and wherein the transmission has a hoseless pneumatic actuation system for at least one of clutch actuation and gear shift actuation.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency and wherein the transmission has a centralized actuation system wherein the same assembly provides clutch actuation and gear shift actuation.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein at least one set of drive gears has teeth with substantially flat tops to improve at least one of noise and efficiency and wherein the transmission has a pneumatic, linear clutch actuation system that is configured to hold substantially no volume of unused air.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided having an integrated mechanical assembly with a common air supply that is used for both gear shift actuation and clutch actuation and three gear systems having three, three and two modes of engagement respectively for providing an 18 speed transmission.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided having an integrated mechanical assembly with a common air supply that is used for both gear shift actuation and clutch actuation and having a three-by-three-by-two gear set architecture.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided having an integrated mechanical assembly with a common air supply that is used for both gear shift actuation and clutch actuation and having low contact ratio gears, bearings to reduce the impact of thrust loads on efficiency and a low loss lubrication system.

Various embodiments disclosed herein may include an aluminum automated truck transmission, wherein a helical gear is used for at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission. A helical gear set may be used in combination with various other methods, systems and components of an automated truck transmission disclosed throughout this disclosure, including the following.

In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having a set of substantially circular gears with teeth that are configured to engage with a sliding velocity of engagement that provides high efficiency.

In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having enclosure bearings and gear sets configured to reduce noise from the transmission.

In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having a mechanically and electrically integrated assembly configured to be mounted on the transmission, wherein the assembly provides gear shift actuation and clutch actuation.

In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having wormwheel-ground gear teeth having a tooth profile that is designed to provide efficient interaction of the gears.

In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having three gear systems having three, three and two modes of engagement respectively for providing an 18 speed transmission.

In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having a three-by-three-by-two gear set architecture.

In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having low contact ratio gears, bearings to reduce the impact of thrust loads on efficiency and a low loss lubrication system.

In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having a linear clutch actuator that is integrated with the shift actuation system for the transmission.

In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having an integrated assembly that includes a linear clutch actuator, at least one position sensor, and valve banks for gear shift and clutch actuation.

In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having a hoseless pneumatic actuation system for at least one of clutch actuation and gear shift actuation.

In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having a gear system configured to have bearings accept thrust loads to improve engine efficiency.

In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having a centralized actuation system wherein the same assembly provides clutch actuation and gear shift actuation.

In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having a pneumatic, linear clutch actuation system that is configured to hold substantially no volume of unused air.

In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having a plurality of power take-off (PTO) interfaces.

In embodiments, an aluminum automated truck transmission is provided, having a helical gear as set as at least one gear set of the transmission to reduce noise from the transmission and having at least one power take-off (PTO) interface that has an aluminum enclosure and a gear set that is optimized for a specified use of the PTO.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein the gear set comprises a plurality of substantially circular gears having teeth that are configured to engaged during at least one operating mode of the automated truck transmission, configuring the shape of the teeth of the gears based on the sliding velocity of engagement of the teeth top provide improved efficiency of the automated truck transmission. Embodiments with gear teeth optimized based on sliding velocity may be used in combination with various other methods, systems and components of an overall architecture for an efficient, low noise transmission, including as follows.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include ones for a die cast aluminum automatic truck transmission is provided, wherein the enclosure bearings and gear sets are configured to reduce noise from the transmission. Such a noise-reduced configuration can be used in combination with other methods, systems and components of an automatic truck transmission architecture as described throughout the present disclosure.

In embodiments, a die cast aluminum automatic truck transmission is provided, having enclosure bearings and gear sets configured to reduce noise from the transmission and having low contact ratio gears, bearings to reduce the impact of thrust loads on efficiency and a low loss lubrication system.

In embodiments, a die cast aluminum automatic truck transmission is provided, having enclosure bearings and gear sets configured to reduce noise from the transmission and having a linear clutch actuator that is integrated with the shift actuation system for the transmission.

In embodiments, a die cast aluminum automatic truck transmission is provided, having enclosure bearings and gear sets configured to reduce noise from the transmission and having an integrated assembly that includes a linear clutch actuator, at least one position sensor, and valve banks for gear shift and clutch actuation.

In embodiments, a die cast aluminum automatic truck transmission is provided, having enclosure bearings and gear sets configured to reduce noise from the transmission and having a gear system configured to have bearings accept thrust loads to improve engine efficiency.

In embodiments, a die cast aluminum automatic truck transmission is provided, having enclosure bearings and gear sets configured to reduce noise from the transmission and having a centralized actuation system wherein the same assembly provides clutch actuation and gear shift actuation.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein the bearings for the gears are configured to reduce or cancel thrust loads when the drive shaft is engaged. Such an architecture may be used in combination with various other methods, systems and components described throughout this disclosure, including as follows.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided having a gear system configured to having bearings accept thrust loads to improve engine efficiency and having a centralized actuation system wherein the same assembly provides clutch actuation and gear shift actuation.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided having a gear system configured to having bearings accept thrust loads to improve engine efficiency and having a pneumatic, linear clutch actuation system that is configured to hold substantially no volume of unused air.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided having a gear system configured to having bearings accept thrust loads to improve engine efficiency and having a plurality of power take-off (PTO) interfaces.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided having a gear system configured to having bearings accept thrust loads to improve engine efficiency and having at least one power take-off (PTO) interface that has an aluminum enclosure and a gear set that is optimized for a specified use of the PTO.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein the transmission has a plurality of power take-off (PTO) interfaces. Such an architecture may be used in combination with various other methods, systems and components described throughout this disclosure, including as follows. In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided having a plurality of power take-off (PTO) interfaces and having at least one power take-off (PTO) interface that has an aluminum enclosure and a gear set that is optimized for a specified use of the PTO.

In embodiments, an automated truck transmission is provided, wherein the transmission has at least one power take-off (PTO) interface with an aluminum enclosure and an optimized gear set. Such an architecture may be used in combination with various other methods, systems and components described throughout this disclosure.

While only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as described in the following claims. All patent applications and patents, both foreign and domestic, and all other publications referenced herein are incorporated herein in their entireties to the full extent permitted by law.

Any one or more of the terms computer, computing device, processor, circuit, and/or server include a computer of any type, capable to access instructions stored in communication thereto such as upon a non-transient computer readable medium, whereupon the computer performs operations of systems or methods described herein upon executing the instructions. In certain embodiments, such instructions themselves comprise a computer, computing device, processor, circuit, and/or server. Additionally or alternatively, a computer, computing device, processor, circuit, and/or server may be a separate hardware device, one or more computing resources distributed across hardware devices, and/or may include such aspects as logical circuits, embedded circuits, sensors, actuators, input and/or output devices, network and/or communication resources, memory resources of any type, processing resources of any type, and/or hardware devices configured to be responsive to determined conditions to functionally execute one or more operations of systems and methods herein.

The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part or in whole through network infrastructures. The network infrastructure may include elements such as computing devices, servers, routers, hubs, firewalls, clients, personal computers, communication devices, routing devices and other active and passive devices, modules, and/or components as known in the art. The computing and/or non-computing device(s) associated with the network infrastructure may include, apart from other components, a storage medium such as flash memory, buffer, stack, RAM, ROM and the like. The methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs described herein and elsewhere may be executed by one or more of the network infrastructural elements.

The methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs may be stored and/or accessed on machine readable transitory and/or non-transitory media that may include: computer components, devices, and recording media that retain digital data used for computing for some interval of time; semiconductor storage known as random access memory (RAM); mass storage typically for more permanent storage, such as optical discs, forms of magnetic storage like hard disks, tapes, drums, cards and other types; processor registers, cache memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory; optical storage such as CD, DVD; removable media such as flash memory (e.g., USB sticks or keys), floppy disks, magnetic tape, paper tape, punch cards, standalone RAM disks, Zip drives, removable mass storage, off-line, and the like; other computer memory such as dynamic memory, static memory, read/write storage, mutable storage, read only, random access, sequential access, location addressable, file addressable, content addressable, network attached storage, storage area network, bar codes, magnetic ink, and the like.

Certain operations described herein include interpreting, receiving, and/or determining one or more values, parameters, inputs, data, or other information. Operations including interpreting, receiving, and/or determining any value parameter, input, data, and/or other information include, without limitation: receiving data via a user input; receiving data over a network of any type; reading a data value from a memory location in communication with the receiving device; utilizing a default value as a received data value; estimating, calculating, or deriving a data value based on other information available to the receiving device; and/or updating any of these in response to a later received data value. In certain embodiments, a data value may be received by a first operation, and later updated by a second operation, as part of the receiving a data value. For example, when communications are down, intermittent, or interrupted, a first operation to interpret, receive, and/or determine a data value may be performed, and when communications are restored an updated operation to interpret, receive, and/or determine the data value may be performed.

Certain logical groupings of operations herein, for example methods or procedures of the current disclosure, are provided to illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. Operations described herein are schematically described and/or depicted, and operations may be combined, divided, re-ordered, added, or removed in a manner consistent with the disclosure herein. It is understood that the context of an operational description may require an ordering for one or more operations, and/or an order for one or more operations may be explicitly disclosed, but the order of operations should be understood broadly, where any equivalent grouping of operations to provide an equivalent outcome of operations is specifically contemplated herein. For example, if a value is used in one operational step, the determining of the value may be required before that operational step in certain contexts (e.g. where the time delay of data for an operation to achieve a certain effect is important), but may not be required before that operation step in other contexts (e.g. where usage of the value from a previous execution cycle of the operations would be sufficient for those purposes). Accordingly, in certain embodiments an order of operations and grouping of operations as described is explicitly contemplated herein, and in certain embodiments re-ordering, subdivision, and/or different grouping of operations is explicitly contemplated herein.

The methods and systems described herein may transform physical and/or or intangible items from one state to another. The methods and systems described herein may also transform data representing physical and/or intangible items from one state to another.

The elements described and depicted herein, including in flow charts, block diagrams, and/or operational descriptions, depict and/or describe specific example arrangements of elements for purposes of illustration. However, the depicted and/or described elements, the functions thereof, and/or arrangements of these, may be implemented on machines, such as through computer executable transitory and/or non-transitory media having a processor capable of executing program instructions stored thereon, and/or as logical circuits or hardware arrangements. Furthermore, the elements described and/or depicted herein, and/or any other logical components, may be implemented on a machine capable of executing program instructions. Thus, while the foregoing flow charts, block diagrams, and/or operational descriptions set forth functional aspects of the disclosed systems, any arrangement of program instructions implementing these functional aspects are contemplated herein. Similarly, it will be appreciated that the various steps identified and described above may be varied, and that the order of steps may be adapted to particular applications of the techniques disclosed herein. Additionally, any steps or operations may be divided and/or combined in any manner providing similar functionality to the described operations. All such variations and modifications are contemplated in the present disclosure. The methods and/or processes described above, and steps thereof, may be implemented in hardware, program code, instructions, and/or programs or any combination of hardware and methods, program code, instructions, and/or programs suitable for a particular application. Example hardware includes a dedicated computing device or specific computing device, a particular aspect or component of a specific computing device, and/or an arrangement of hardware components and/or logical circuits to perform one or more of the operations of a method and/or system. The processes may be implemented in one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, embedded microcontrollers, programmable digital signal processors or other programmable device, along with internal and/or external memory. The processes may also, or instead, be embodied in an application specific integrated circuit, a programmable gate array, programmable array logic, or any other device or combination of devices that may be configured to process electronic signals. It will further be appreciated that one or more of the processes may be realized as a computer executable code capable of being executed on a machine readable medium.

The computer executable code may be created using a structured programming language such as C, an object oriented programming language such as C++, or any other high-level or low-level programming language (including assembly languages, hardware description languages, and database programming languages and technologies) that may be stored, compiled or interpreted to run on one of the above devices, as well as heterogeneous combinations of processors, processor architectures, or combinations of different hardware and computer readable instructions, or any other machine capable of executing program instructions.

Thus, in one aspect, each method described above and combinations thereof may be embodied in computer executable code that, when executing on one or more computing devices, performs the steps thereof. In another aspect, the methods may be embodied in systems that perform the steps thereof, and may be distributed across devices in a number of ways, or all of the functionality may be integrated into a dedicated, standalone device or other hardware. In another aspect, the means for performing the steps associated with the processes described above may include any of the hardware and/or computer readable instructions described above. All such permutations and combinations are contemplated in embodiments of the present disclosure.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

It will be appreciated that the methods and systems described are set forth by way of example and not of limitation. Numerous variations, additions, omissions, and other modifications will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, the order or presentation of method steps in the description and drawings above is not intended to require this order of performing the recited steps unless a particular order is expressly required or otherwise clear from the context. Thus, while particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure and are intended to form a part of the invention as defined by the following claims, which are to be interpreted in the broadest sense allowable by law. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An automated truck transmission, comprising: an input shaft configured to couple to a prime mover; a countershaft having a first plurality of gears mounted thereon; a main shaft having a second plurality of gears mounted thereon; an output shaft selectively providing a torque output to a driveline; a shift actuator structured to selectively couple the input shaft to the main shaft by rotatably coupling at least one of the first plurality of gears to the countershaft and the second plurality of gears to the main shaft, wherein the shift actuator is mounted on an exterior wall of a housing, and wherein the countershaft and the main shaft are at least partially positioned within the housing; further comprising a clutch actuator housing, wherein a clutch actuator is positioned at least partially within the clutch actuator housing; and wherein the transmission comprises a high efficiency transmission.
 2. The transmission of claim 1, further comprising a diaphragm spring clutch.
 3. The transmission of claim 1, wherein the clutch actuator and the shift actuator are powered by a common air supply.
 4. The transmission of claim 3, further comprising a friction brake configured to engage the countershaft, and wherein the friction brake is powered by the common air supply.
 5. The transmission of claim 4, wherein the transmission does not include any external pneumatic hoses.
 6. The transmission of claim 2, further comprising wherein the clutch actuator comprises a progressive actuator, wherein a position of the progressive actuator corresponds to a position of the clutch.
 7. The transmission of claim 6, the wherein the clutch actuator is pneumatically activated, wherein the clutch actuator has a first extended position and a second retracted position, and wherein the clutch actuator includes a near zero dead air volume in the second retracted position.
 8. The transmission of claim 7, wherein the clutch comprises an organic clutch.
 9. The transmission of claim 1, further comprising a cast aluminum housing.
 10. The transmission of claim 9, further comprising a first PTO interface comprising a side housing access to a gear of the countershaft, and second PTO interface comprising a rear housing access to a rear of the countershaft.
 11. The transmission of claim 10, wherein the countershaft comprises helical gears.
 12. The transmission of claim 11, wherein the transmission further comprises a low loss lubrication system.
 13. The transmission of claim 12, wherein the transmission does not include a cooler.
 14. An automated truck transmission, comprising: an input shaft configured to couple to a prime mover; a countershaft having a first plurality of helical gears mounted thereon; a main shaft having a second plurality of gears mounted thereon; an output shaft selectively providing a torque output to a driveline; a shift actuator structured to selectively couple the input shaft to the main shaft by rotatably coupling at least one of the first plurality of helical gears to the countershaft and the second plurality of gears to the main shaft, wherein the shift actuator is mounted on an exterior wall of a housing, and wherein the countershaft and the main shaft are at least partially positioned within the housing; further comprising a clutch actuator housing, wherein a clutch actuator is positioned at least partially within the clutch actuator housing; a planetary gear set comprising a sun gear and a ring gear, wherein the ring gear is coupled to the output shaft, and wherein the sun gear is selectively coupled to the ring gear; a ball bearing operatively positioned between the sun gear and the ring gear; and wherein the helical gears are configured to apply thrust loads to the ball bearing.
 15. The transmission of claim 14, wherein gear teeth on the countershaft comprise a flattened top geometry.
 16. The transmission of claim 15, wherein the gear teeth are ground with a worm wheel.
 17. The transmission of claim 14, further comprising a cast aluminum housing.
 18. An automated truck transmission, comprising: an input shaft configured to couple to a prime mover; a countershaft having a first plurality of helical gears mounted thereon; a main shaft having a second plurality of gears mounted thereon; an output shaft selectively providing a torque output to a driveline; a shift actuator structured to selectively couple the input shaft to the main shaft by rotatably coupling at least one of the first plurality of helical gears to the countershaft and the second plurality of gears to the main shaft, wherein the shift actuator is mounted on an exterior wall of a housing, and wherein the countershaft and the main shaft are at least partially positioned within the housing; further comprising a clutch actuator housing, wherein a clutch actuator is positioned at least partially within the clutch actuator housing; and wherein the transmission further comprises a gear tooth configuration structured to reduce mechanical losses and to reduce noise.
 19. The transmission of claim 18, further comprising a planetary gear set comprising a sun gear and a ring gear, wherein the ring gear is coupled to the output shaft, and wherein the sun gear is selectively coupled to the ring gear, the transmission further comprising a ball bearing operatively positioned between the sun gear and the ring gear, and wherein the helical gears are configured to apply thrust loads to the ball bearing.
 20. The transmission of claim 18, wherein the driveline of the transmission does not include any tapered bearings, and wherein enclosure bearings of the housing of the transmission do not take thrust loads of the transmission.
 21. The transmission of claim 18, further comprising a cast aluminum housing.
 22. The transmission of claim 18, wherein the transmission comprises a 12-speed truck transmission.
 23. The transmission of claim 18, further comprising an actuator assembly comprising the clutch actuator housing and an integrated actuator housing, the integrated actuator housing operationally coupled to the shift actuator and the clutch actuator housing, and wherein the actuator assembly is mounted on a vertically upper side of the transmission.
 24. The transmission of claim 23, wherein the shift actuator and the clutch actuator are powered by a common air supply, wherein the shift actuator comprises a plurality of valve banks, wherein the clutch actuator comprises at least one valve, and wherein no hoses are present between either the common air supply and the plurality of valve banks, or the common air supply and the at least one valve.
 25. The transmission of claim 24, wherein the shift actuator comprises the plurality of valve banks operationally coupled to a plurality of shift forks, and at least one position sensing device structured to determine a rail position of each of the plurality of shift forks.
 26. The transmission of claim 23, wherein the shift actuator and the clutch actuator are accessible without decoupling the input shaft from the prime mover.
 27. The transmission of claim 18, wherein the transmission comprises an 18-speed truck transmission.
 28. The transmission of claim 27, wherein the transmission comprises a 3×3×2 architecture. 